Financial Support Services
At Zahra Foundation, we provide specialist, trauma-informed financial counselling for women who have experienced financial abuse or domestic and family violence. We understand that talking about money can feel overwhelming. Our Financial Counsellors provide a safe, non-judgemental space where you can work through your financial situation at your own pace.
Financial Counselling
Domestic and family violence can affect every part of your life including your financial wellbeing. Financial abuse, debt, housing insecurity and ongoing financial stress can continue long after the abuse has ended.
At Zahra Foundation, we provide a free, specialist Financial Counselling service for women experiencing financial hardship, debt or financial abuse as a result of domestic and family violence.
Our specialist Financial Counsellors provide a safe, trauma- and violence-informed space where you will be believed, respected and supported. We work alongside you to understand your circumstances, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed financial decisions and build long-term financial independence.
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Our specialist Financial Counsellors are qualified professionals and accredited members of their respective state professional associations, including the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA), the Financial Counsellors' Association of New South Wales (FCAN) and the Financial Counselling Association of Queensland (FCAQ).
Our team is trained in trauma- and violence-informed practice and works within a specialist domestic and family violence framework. We understand the profound impact that domestic and family violence can have on financial wellbeing and are committed to providing safe, compassionate and empowering support that places your choices, strengths and goals at the centre of our work.
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This free, confidential and voluntary service is available to women who have experienced, or are recovering from, domestic and family violence.
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Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know you, understand your situation and discuss how we can best support you. You do not need to have everything figured out before we meet
If you have any of the following documents, bringing them along can help us gain a clearer understanding of your financial situation:
Proof of income (such as Centrelink statements or payslips)
Recent bank statements
Current bills or account statements
Letters from banks, creditors or debt collectors
If you don't have these documents, that's okay. We can still meet with you and work together to identify what information may be needed.
During your first appointment, we'll take the time to learn about your circumstances, explain how Financial Counselling can help, collect some personal information and, where appropriate, ask for your consent to advocate on your behalf with banks, creditors or other organisations.
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To access our Financial Counselling service, simply complete our online referral form by clicking the link below.
Once we receive your referral, a member of our Intake Team will contact you. They will ask a few questions about your financial situation, as well as any immediate risk or safety concerns, so we can understand your needs and connect you with the most appropriate support. This conversation also helps us prepare for your first appointment with a Financial Counsellor.
If you have any questions or would prefer to speak with someone before completing the referral form, please contact our Intake Team:
Phone: (08) 8352 1889
Email: intake@zahrafoundation.org.au
Download our Financial Counselling brochures for South Australia , NSW - Hunter/Newcastle Region and a Financial Empowerment Checklist for Domestic Abuse and Separation, which provides fast and easy information to help you work out what you can do and where to get help.
Do you need financial crisis support?
If your situation is urgent and you are unable to reach our team, you can contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak with a Financial Counsellor.
If you need immediate advice, you can also access their live chat feature via the link below:
https://ndh.org.au/about-national-debt-helpline/contact-us/
(available 9am – 8pm weekdays only)
Partners & Supporters
Thank you to our partners and supporters who help us to deliver this service to women across Australia.
