Call for urgent support of University domestic violence survivors

This year, the first Helen Maslen Scholarship was offered to support University of Newcastle students who are survivors of domestic violence. After 34 harrowing applications flooded in for one scholarship, an urgent call for support has been raised.

The Helen Maslen Scholarship was established by the late Helen Maslen, who was motivated by her own experience surviving domestic violence to support others to change their lives after similar experiences.

Common themes in the applications were women with children escaping from verbal and physical abuse; students spoke of physical assaults, financial abuse, stalking, intimidation, harassment, threats to kill and of constant fear. Many spoke of periods of homelessness, living in refuges or government houses.  Although each story was unique, all applications expressed empowerment, hope and aspirations for the future; they wanted to build a better life for themselves and their children.

Urgent fundraising efforts have secured enough funding for two additional scholarships, however currently 31 students may not receive the support they need to reach their education goals.

Research shows that significant recovery can occur when a domestic violence survivor has access to social, educational and financial support. While the University is providing support through counselling and access to other support services, we’re asking for help in our drive to financially support as many of these students as possible.

If you can, please consider supporting these students; 100% of your donation will go towards this important cause.

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