A mentor programme designed to give domestic-violence victims support as they start abuse-free lives has been launched in Tauranga.
Tauranga Women's Refuge has signed on to fashion designer Annah Stretton's latest initiative - Reclaiming Another Woman or RAW.
The project, which was piloted in the Waikato earlier this year, pairs abused women keen to build a better life with a female mentor who helps them reach their goals.
Ms Stretton said the Waikato pilot had resulted in more than 70 matches after just six weeks, which had encouraged them to roll out the programme in the Bay. "Tauranga, as such a close neighbour, it is a logical choice and given the economies of scale, will enable us to introduce the service relatively easily."
Ms Stretton said RAW's goal was all about "educating for choice". "It's about finding time to lend a guiding hand and perhaps become a trusted ear and confidante. With this one-on-one support from someone who will never judge, but always listen. I believe that these women can begin to identify new pathways forward, begin to explore a range of new options and hopefully ignite self-belief.