We’re proud to highlight Empowered Voices, a peer support program focused on safety and autonomy for older women, made possible by a $20,000 grant from the Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation.
The program, thanks to the generosity of the Estate of Ronald Forsythe, was designed to support older women through sessions on elder abuse, risk and safety, financial literacy, legal supports, nutrition, self-care, and aged care.
Its aim was twofold: to empower participants and identify those experiencing elder abuse, connecting them with the support they need.
“I would say the women were empowered in so many ways,” Dominique Horne, Quality and Research Co-ordinator of the Aged Care Assessment Services at the RMH, and program facilitator, said.
“It wasn’t just about family violence—it was about rediscovering a sense of themselves.”
Co-designed with The WEAVERS—a group of women with lived experience of family violence—and run in partnership with Merri-bek Library, Empowered Voices started with just five participants and grew to over 30 by the final session, creating a vibrant community of women supporting one another.
“This group became a space where women could feel safe, learn, and know where to turn if something happened,” Dominique said.
“It’s exactly what we hoped for—a sense of self-sufficiency and understanding within community context, far removed from a hospital setting, but still within our catchment area.”
The program saw incredible transformations. One participant arrived off the street, vulnerable and withdrawn. “Within about five weeks, she was sitting back, hair up, chatting away, and talking about applying for a job,” Dominique said.
“The change in her was remarkable.”
For others, the weekly sessions were a revelation. One woman disclosed that her son was verbally abusive toward her and her husband—behaviour she hadn’t recognised as abuse before. Concerned about its escalation, she found practical guidance from the group.
Dominique reflected: “We worked together on strategies like setting boundaries, choosing not to respond to certain messages, and considering a Family Violence Intervention Order for her safety.”
The program’s impact was profound:
- Reduced isolation—Women felt less alone and more connected to others who understood their experiences.
- Increased empowerment—Participants gained confidence in setting boundaries and advocating for their needs.
- Improved emotional well-being—They left equipped with tools to navigate challenging relationships and take control of their lives
Empowered Voices highlights the transformative impact of community-driven programs in addressing gender-based violence and elder abuse. By fostering connection and resilience, it proves that even modest investments can create lasting change.
To learn more about the Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation, visit their website.
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