DOMESTIC violence is one of the biggest drivers pushing women into poverty, the founder of Newcastle's Got Your Back Sista says.
But a new training program aims to help these women rebuild their lives so they can not only survive, but thrive.
On Thursday, the first participants in a retail training program graduated at the Got Your Back Sista headquarters in Tighes Hill.
The charity's founder and chief executive, Melissa Histon-Browning, said the program - delivered in partnership with Castle Personnel - hoped to help women and their children live independently after escaping the trauma of domestic violence.
"Domestic violence is so insidious, it can really knock their confidence and self esteem," she said.
"I hear stories where women say they were different people before all of this happened. Many have just been shattered from the trauma they have experienced.
"So for them to get to the end of this course with new skills and work experience and a qualification is such a wonderful achievement."
The 12 week Certificate II in Retail Services course was delivered by Central Coast Community College.
Each participant also spent some time working in Got Your Back Sista's Islington op shop for practical, hands-on retail experience.
"When they are coming to the end of the course we work with Castle Personnel, and Castle works with them help with their resumes and interview skills to help them get work," Ms Histon-Browning said.
"We hope the women who participate can get employment and reduce their risk of living on or below the poverty line. We want to get more women to participate in this next year so we can get more women get into the workforce so they can become independent, and financially independent."
Ms Histon-Browning said they were pleased to see the program was already paying off, with one graduate already securing a job in retail since doing the course.
Castle CEO Dianne Hamer said they hoped to help survivors regain their confidence and achieve their education, employment and personal development goals.
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