A FREE domestic violence support centre in St George aims to help women who live in fear to get back on track.
Moving Forward is a new specialist case management service for women who are experiencing or escaping domestic violence.
Formerly known as St George Women's Housing, the service offers therapeutic and educational workshops and case management, including evening sessions, from a secure site.
It was created in response to a gap in support for working women who cannot access childcare during the day.
Under the NSW government's reforms to Going Home, Staying Home — It Stops Here, the former service was not successful in tendering for the St George and Sutherland Shire family package.
But it got funding to continue operating during the transition period.
The rebranded service opened in February.
Manager and case worker Jan Christie said there was a high need of support in the region, which had the fifth highest rate in NSW for domestic violence.
"What is missing is practical support for traumatised people who need somewhere safe they can go," she said.
"We're not saying women have to leave, but we're trying to look at ways of helping them so they don't fall into the welfare cycle.
"Their self-esteem is pretty eroded, so it's about helping them stay independent."
Ms Christie said the service encouraged women to stay in the workforce while receiving assistance.
"People assume women in domestic violence situations are unemployed, but I've helped women who are CEOs of companies," she said.
"A job is part of their identity, so we want to try to keep one part of their life functioning.
"It's not only about physical abuse, but financial.
"I've worked with a woman who had $20 a week for housekeeping while her partner, who never raised a hand at her, went to the club every night as she fed chicken soup to her kids.
"We also want to educate young pregnant women that their stress can affect their child's development."
Funding will end in early 2016 but Ms Christie hopes the centre's long-term value will be acknowledged.
"Those who won the tender [St Vincent de Paul] may be good with housing but we are the therapeutically-trained specialists in domestic violence," she said.
"I'm hearing about all of these strategies but I'm not seeing money coming onto the ground."
Women who would like help can contact the service anonymously.
Details: movingforward.org.au
*Editor's note: The ABC's Q&A program this week on Family Violence drew opinions from a range of people, government representatives and services. See a link.
