Crack-Down on Welfare May Put Families in Danger, Says Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge says proposed welfare reforms announced by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Social Development yesterday could disadvantage families already at risk.

Denise Reynolds, Kaiwhakahaere for the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges says, “The daunting prospect of accessing a single parent benefit with these conditions could see victims remain in an unsafe situation.”

Ms Reynolds says 2009 saw a staggering number of women killed by their partners. “We help a woman every 10 minutes on our 24 hour crisis lines. 19% of children in New Zealand live in serious hardship, while over 7% of our working population is unemployed.”

She says, “Research tells us that financial hardship is a serious hurdle to overcome for a woman seeking to leave a violent relationship. We advocate that she has a full range of options so that she can decide on the best and safest course for herself and her family.”

“Instead the government is offering a more grim view and we fear that this, along with high levels of unemployment, and the proposed increase in GST, will make it hopeless for women to contemplate leaving, particularly where children are concerned.”

She says it is unrealistic to expect beneficiaries to find work in a tight job market.

“Living on a benefit is no dream. Most people on the Domestic Purposes Benefit do want to improve their situation and prefer to work to support their families.”

“Pushing them into an already depressed job market places undeserved pressure on them. The Prime Minister and Minister may unravel a host of positive initiatives and programmes that non-government organisations, like ours, provide to at risk families.”

However, Ms Reynolds says, “Women’s Refuge can provide advice and support to women wanting to live free from violence and abuse. We encourage women to contact us for assistance in making a safety plan. This may include supporting her in accessing a benefit and working towards financial independence.”

Women’s Refuges are listed under “R” in the White Pages throughout New Zealand.

ENDS

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