WRITTEN BY: Matilda Sullivan

In the wake of International Women’s Day, a recent report has cast a stark light on a distressing reality: the increasing crisis of homelessness among women and children escaping domestic violence. While the report primarily focuses on Victoria, it mirrors a broader national issue that demands urgent attention and intervention from the Federal Government.

The Homelessness Australia report, released amidst global celebrations of women's achievements, presents alarming statistics that underscore the pressing need for a comprehensive funding package to ensure safe housing for those escaping abusive environments. Shockingly, it reveals that 45% of women and girls seeking homelessness assistance do so due to family and domestic violence. Over the past decade, the number of women and children finding themselves without shelter at the conclusion of homelessness support has more than doubled. Additionally, the number of individuals resorting to couch surfing as a temporary solution has significantly increased.

These figures paint a distressing picture of the struggles faced by domestic violence survivors, who often find themselves trapped in a cycle of abuse due to the lack of access to safe housing. It's a cycle that perpetuates trauma and endangers lives, as evidenced by the recent increase of 23% in the number of women and children left without safe housing after receiving homelessness support.

Moreover, the report echoes findings from the last Personal Safety Survey, revealing that financial constraints and lack of support hinder thousands of women from leaving violent situations, further exacerbating the risk of homelessness and perpetuating cycles of abuse.

While Victoria grapples with its own challenges in providing timely housing solutions for domestic violence survivors, the broader national context demands immediate action from the Federal Government. The issue extends beyond state borders, affecting vulnerable individuals and families nationwide.

Data from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) paints a grim picture of the waiting times faced by those seeking refuge from family violence. At a national level, approximately 175,000 households are currently on the waiting list for social housing. To qualify for inclusion on this list, an individual must demonstrate significant need. However, being added to the list does not guarantee immediate access to a home.

This prolonged wait not only undermines the safety and well-being of survivors but also forces them to make agonising choices between homelessness and enduring abuse.

Despite nationwide efforts, the completion of housing projects falls short of targets, leaving many on the waitlist stranded in precarious situations.

To address these issues sufficiently, the Federal Government must take measures such as

allocating additional funding for homelessness support services to provide immediate assistance to those in need and initiatives aimed at helping women and children safely remain in their homes should be prioritised and expanded.

Similarly, boosting rent assistance can alleviate financial burdens for individuals at risk of homelessness. Investment is needed to provide long-term housing solutions for vulnerable individuals and families across the nation.

It is also imperative that efforts are made to address the root causes of homelessness and domestic violence, prioritising the safety and well-being of women and children.

It is incumbent upon the Federal Government to heed these calls for action and prioritise the safety and security of domestic violence survivors. Every day of inaction prolongs the suffering of those in need and perpetuates cycles of violence and homelessness. Together, we must demand urgent and decisive measures to ensure that no one has to endure the trauma of homelessness and domestic violence. It's time for meaningful change, and it starts with ensuring safe housing for all.