Supporting Women Affected by Family and Domestic Violence: Insights from Parent Pathways

This International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Tuesday 25 November, we reflect on the vital work of the Parent Pathways team in supporting mothers and carers affected by family and domestic violence. Delivered by MRAEL in partnership with the Australian Government, Parent Pathways is a FREE program designed to help build vibrant futures for unemployed parents and carers of children under six.

To mark this significant day, we spoke with Parent Pathways Regional Leader, Rebekah Griinke-Nott, to gain insight into her experiences and the invaluable work being done through the program. Her reflections offer a powerful glimpse into the challenges faced by women affected by family and domestic violence and the difference that dedicated support can make in their lives.

Reflections on your Experience as a Regional Leader

One experience that stands out is supporting a mother who entered the program after leaving a long-term abusive relationship. When she first arrived, she was overwhelmed, unsure of her rights, and carrying a deep sense of fear and self-doubt. Over time, through consistent emotional support, practical guidance, and a safe environment, she began to rebuild her confidence. The impact of family and domestic violence was clear in how she second-guessed every decision and apologised for voicing her needs. But as she engaged with the program—attending appointments, accessing counselling, reconnecting with community support—we saw her gradually regain her independence. Watching her shift from survival mode to a place where she could plan for her future was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

What have you learned about the challenges women face in seeking help or support for violence they are experiencing?

Women face multiple complex barriers when trying to access support. Many fear that reporting violence will escalate the situation or put their children at risk. Others worry they won’t be believed, or they feel ashamed because the abuse has eroded their confidence and autonomy. Practical challenges—like limited financial independence, housing insecurity, lack of transport, or isolation from family and community—also play a major role. Additionally, many women have had negative experiences with services in the past, creating hesitation or distrust. Through Parent Pathways, I’ve learnt that providing consistent, non-judgmental support and clear information makes a significant difference in helping women feel safe enough to reach out and continue engaging.

How has Parent Pathways contributed to supporting women in achieving safety and stability?

Parent Pathways plays a crucial role in helping women rebuild safe and stable lives after experiencing violence. We offer a wraparound approach that includes emotional support, advocacy, practical assistance, and connection to specialist services. We help women understand their rights, navigate legal and housing systems, access financial support, and create safety plans tailored to their situation. The program also focuses on building parenting confidence, strengthening relationships with their children, and helping mothers establish routines that support long-term wellbeing. By providing a consistent support and a non-judgmental environment, Parent Pathways helps women move from crisis toward stability, giving them the tools and confidence to make sustainable decisions for themselves and their families.

Can you describe a particularly effective support strategy intervention that you’ve implemented or been part of to help women affected by violence?

One approach that has been particularly effective is combining practical advocacy with emotional support. For example, sitting alongside a mother while she makes difficult phone calls—such as contacting housing services, legal aid, or Centrelink—helps reduce her anxiety and ensures she doesn’t feel alone in the process. Another impactful intervention has been collaborative safety planning. Working through real-life scenarios together, identifying risks, and mapping out clear steps gives women a sense of control and empowerment. I’ve also seen strong results from partnering with specialist services and attending appointments with clients, ensuring they feel supported and understood. These small but intentional actions build trust and help women stay engaged with the support that can genuinely change their situation.

Personal and Professional Insights

How has your work with Parent Pathways influenced your understanding of the issue of violence against women?

Working within Parent Pathways has deepened my understanding of how widespread, complex, and often hidden violence against women truly is. It has shown me that domestic and family violence is rarely just physical — it often involves emotional manipulation, financial control, isolation, and long-term psychological harm. I’ve also learnt how deeply violence affects women’s confidence, their ability to parent, and their sense of identity. Seeing firsthand how many women blame themselves, minimise their experiences, or feel undeserving of support has made me more aware of the importance of trauma-informed practice. Most importantly, my work has reinforced how essential consistent, respectful support is. When women are met with compassion rather than judgement, they are far more likely to feel safe enough to seek help and begin rebuilding their lives.

Based on your experiences supporting mothers and carers through Parent Pathways, what suggestions would you offer to someone experiencing abuse and violence?

I would encourage them to reach out to someone they trust, even if it’s just to talk through what they’re experiencing without pressure or expectations. Abuse thrives in silence, and taking the first step — no matter how small — can open the door to support. I’d also reassure them that the abuse is not their fault, and that they deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported. Many women worry that seeking help will cause more disruption or put pressure on their family, but staying silent often keeps them isolated and unsafe. I’d suggest connecting with services like Parent Pathways, crisis lines, or specialist family violence organisations, where they can receive confidential advice, safety planning, and practical support. And I would remind them that leaving an abusive situation is a process — one that they don’t have to navigate alone.

Looking Forward

Are there any new initiatives or approaches that you think Parent Pathways could adopt to further support women experiencing family and domestic violence?

One valuable initiative could be expanding early-intervention education, such as workshops on healthy relationships, financial independence, and recognising early warning signs of coercive control. These could empower women with knowledge before situations escalate. Another approach could involve more on-site collaborations with specialist family violence practitioners, allowing women to access expert advice in a safe and familiar environment. Additionally, increasing culturally-specific support options would help ensure diverse communities feel seen and understood. Partnering with local cultural leaders, women’s groups, and interpreters could strengthen trust and reduce barriers to engagement. Finally, investing in peer-led support groups could give women the chance to connect with others who have had similar experiences, helping reduce shame and isolation while building confidence and community.

How can we continue to raise awareness about the importance of eliminating violence against women and the role that the program plays in this effort?

Raising awareness starts with storytelling — sharing real, respectful, de-identified experiences that highlight both the impact of violence and the strength of women who seek support. When people see the human reality behind the statistics, they’re more likely to understand the urgency of change. Parent Pathways can also raise awareness by building strong partnerships across the community — with schools, health services, local businesses, and other support organisations — to increase visibility and encourage referrals. Regular community events, social media campaigns, and education sessions can highlight not just the issue of violence, but the vital role programs like Parent Pathways play in creating safety, stability, and hope. Ultimately, awareness grows when we make it clear that violence against women is not a private issue — it’s a community responsibility. And Parent Pathways is a key part of that community response.