With support from the City of Greater Dandenong's Large Grants Program, Wellsprings for Women delivered a project to help women from diverse backgrounds build their digital confidence and recognise online abuse.
Technology-facilitated abuse, including phone tracking, social media monitoring, online harassment and image-based abuse, is an increasingly common form of family violence. Through culturally safe education sessions, community events, co-design workshops and partnerships with local organisations, the two-year project Migrant Women's Safety: Intensifying Efforts to Prevent Technology Facilitated Abuse, empowered women to better understand online risks and protect themselves and their families.
A key strength of the project was the involvement of local women with lived experience. The 10 women co-designed multilingual resources, awareness materials and an educational video, ensuring the content reflected the realities and needs of migrant communities. Resources were also translated into Dari, Arabic and Urdu.
The project achieved significant community impact, directly and indirectly reaching more than 15,500 people, including almost 12,000 Greater Dandenong residents. More than 500 women participated in technology safety education sessions, while a broader communications campaign reached an online audience.
Among participants who provided feedback:
• 94% reported increased knowledge of technology-facilitated abuse
• 90% felt more confident recognising abuse and seeking help
• 89% reported gaining knowledge that would help keep themselves and their children safe online.
Beyond the numbers, the project helped reduce isolation, build trust with support services and create important conversations about digital safety within families and communities. Many participants became advocates for online safety, sharing information and supporting others to recognise warning signs of abuse.
Council's $120,000 investment, paired with additional funding and community contributions to create lasting resources, strengthen local partnerships and increase community capacity to prevent and respond to technology-facilitated abuse.
The project is an excellent example of how Council's grants program delivers meaningful social outcomes and empowers residents to build safer, stronger and more connected communities.
Start the conversation and share the resources to help make online spaces safer for all women. Visit the Wellsprings for Women website for more information.
