Everyone deserves the safety and security that comes with having a place to call home. Yet across Australia, many people face barriers to accessing safe and stable housing.
Reflecting the scale and urgency of Australia’s homelessness crisis, this year’s Homelessness Week (3–9 August) theme, Action Now, highlights the immediate need to prevent and end homelessness.
For people experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV), that urgency is especially clear as many victim survivors face the impossible choice to remain in a violent home or risk housing insecurity.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, family and domestic violence is one of the leading drivers of homelessness for women and children. People experiencing domestic and family violence account for 40 per cent of all clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services.
Jan Squires, Centacare Family and Relationship Services, Regional Manager, said the intersection between domestic and family violence and homelessness requires a coordinated response.
“Safe housing is fundamental to escaping violence, yet for many victim survivors it remains one of the biggest barriers to leaving the perpetrator,” Jan shares. “Without the right support at the right time, finding a safe place to live can be incredibly difficult.”
Service Delivery Coordinator Thilini Jayatilake works alongside victim survivors as they navigate the challenges of leaving a violent relationship.
“Every person’s circumstances will be different, our role is to provide tailored support at a time when it is needed most.”
For victim survivor Emma, the journey towards finding a safe and stable home for herself and her two primary school-aged children was not straightforward.
With no family or informal supports nearby, she faced ongoing uncertainty and safety concerns as she navigated different housing challenges and situations including moving in and out of a DV shelter and a trying to find a rental property.
Through Centacare’s Targeted Mobile Support Service on the Gold Coast which receives funding through the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety and in collaboration with Community Housing Queensland, Thilini connected Emma with housing and support services, including the Department of Housing, Rent Connect and Friends with Dignity. Emma also received counselling and other supports from Centacare to help rebuild her confidence and emotional wellbeing, as well as financial supports from generous donors to build her financial independence.
Today, Emma and her children are settled in a private rental property, focusing on their healing in a place they can call home.
“Behind every statistic is a person or family navigating incredibly complex circumstances,” Jan adds. “With the right support, people can leave domestic violence and begin the healing process to rebuild their lives. But no one organisation can do it alone. Addressing the intersection of domestic and family violence and homelessness requires coordinated action across housing, community and support services.”
Further support
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing (or is at risk of experiencing) domestic and family violence, contact your local Centacare Service.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero, 000.
If there is no immediate emergency, you can report domestic and family violence to the police by phoning Policelink on 131 444 or make a non-urgent report by submitting an online form.
You can also call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT for advice and support. This service is open 24 hours and provides confidential advice via phone or webchat.
If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and require assistance to overcome the barriers you face to finding permanent, safe accommodation – our services can help.