The lack of opportunity to establish financial independence – whether that’s through accessible employment or study – can make it extremely difficult (and dangerous) to leave abuse environments. Mettle is a social enterprise that employs women who have experienced homelessness because of domestic and family violence, helping equip them with the skills required to secure and maintain employment and in turn, safe and stable housing. "With a stable income, nurturing training, and support in accessing safe housing, we're able to prevent women from returning to homelessness or their abuser" says Bronwyn Bate, Co-Founder of Mettle.https://www.mettlegifts.com/
Earbus Foundation works to reduce the incidence and impact of middle ear disease on Aboriginal and at-risk children to below the WHO benchmark (4%). Earbus travels with a Doctor, Nurse and Audiologist to create an innovative ‘one-stop-shop’ for ear health. “Regular treatment with ongoing management and continuity of care is integral to better health outcomes,” says Dr Lara Shur, co-founder. Earbus currently works at over 100 locations including the Pilbara, Goldfields, Perth Metro, Southeast and Southwest regions of Western Australia, partnering with Aboriginal Medical Services, schools, kindergartens, Royal Flying Doctor Service and other not-for-profits, such as Starlight Children’s Foundation. https://www.earbus.org.au
Unsilenced Voices takes an innovative approach to its humanitarian work, using blockchain technology in programs and fundraising. Founded in 2017, the US-based not-for-profit empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in multiple countries using financial assistance and community education. To do this, they’ve sought new approaches to both raise money for their programs and pay directly to abuse survivors. Founder Michelle Jewsbury says they are “revolutionising the humanitarian sector by integrating Web 3.0 technologies directly into our operations. For example, we accept cryptocurrency donations and have hosted NFT art competitions, enabling abuse survivors to earn income.” http://www.unsilencedvoices.org
Women and Mentoring run an early intervention program supporting women and non-binary people in contact with the legal system by matching them with a mentor. "We know that many in contact with the justice system come from trauma, disadvantage, victimisation and having experienced a range of complex issues that contributes to their vulnerability" says Tricia Ciampa, Executive Officer at WAM. "Through a mentoring relationship, women have someone in their corner, to rely on for guidance, to build up self-esteem, and hopefully help them find their place in society." Mentoring is a simple (yet effective) way to create positive change. https://www.womenandmentoring.org.au/about