A recent report released on International Women’s Day has brought to light a growing crisis affecting women and children escaping domestic and family violence: homelessness. The Homelessness Australia report reveals alarming statistics and underscores the urgent need for a funding package to ensure safe housing for those in need.

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 sleeping rough or in a car at the end of homelessness support has more than doubled, while the number of those couch surfing has also increased significantly.

Furthermore, in the last year alone, the number of women and children left without safe housing after receiving homelessness support has increased by 23%. This dire situation highlights the urgent need for action to address the root causes of homelessness among victims of domestic violence.

There is a lack of access to safe housing, which is a major barrier preventing women from escaping violence and often forces them back into dangerous situations. Shockingly, the last Personal Safety Survey revealed that thousands of women experiencing violence wanted to leave but were unable to due to financial constraints or lack of support.

We cannot stand by while women and children are forced to endure homelessness and violence. It is imperative that the government takes swift and decisive action to address this crisis and ensure that all individuals have access to safe and secure housing.

We call on the Federal Government to:

• Increase funding for homelessness support services to provide immediate assistance to those in need.
• Invest in Safe at Home programs to help women and children safely remain in their homes.
• Boost Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) to alleviate financial burdens for those at risk of homelessness.
• Deliver more social housing to provide long-term housing solutions for vulnerable individuals and families.
• Prioritise the safety and well-being of women and children by addressing the root causes of homelessness and domestic violence.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one has to endure the trauma of homelessness and domestic violence. Sign this petition to demand urgent action from the Federal Government to provide safe housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence.