By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Wellsprings for Women regards itself as a “first responder” to family violence.
However from August, its family violence service is facing an uncertain future with its federal funding coming to an end.
“We will be pursuing other sources of funding to build on our existing work,” chief executive Dalal Smiley said.
The group has seen a growing number of women living in or escaping family violence.
Some abused women, who are not ready to leave the relationship, miss out on support from specialised family violence services, she said.
“Especially women from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds face enormous barriers to leaving a violent relationship.”
The barriers include full financial dependence on their partners, being on a spouse’s visa or not having support networks.
Ms Smiley said the service will help any woman who needs help. Its priority is to make sure the woman and her children are safe.
Wellsprings secured federal funding in late 2017 to design and run a program on gender equality, respectful relationships and prevention of violence against women.
“We hope to continue supporting migrant and refugee women who are experiencing family violence by facilitating safe and supportive pathways to specialized family violence services,” Ms Smiley said.
