Urgent Need for Funding Specialised Crisis Housing for Family Violence Survivors

Australia faces a critical shortage of specialised crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of family violence, prompting urgent calls for increased funding to address this growing crisis. With services stretched thin, many women and children escaping abuse are left without safe havens, highlighting a systemic failure to prioritise their safety and recovery.

The demand for safe, tailored accommodation far outstrips current capacity. Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, a vital 24/7 support service in Victoria, reports assisting thousands annually but struggles to meet overwhelming need. Their crisis accommodation, including motels and supported refuges, often cannot accommodate all those at risk, leaving some to return to dangerous situations. The Family Violence Reform Implementation Monitor (FVRIM) notes that the system focuses heavily on immediate crisis response, often neglecting longer-term recovery needs, particularly for those with complex trauma. This gap in holistic support can trap survivors in cycles of vulnerability, with insufficient refuges exacerbating the issue.

Stakeholders, including Safe and Equal, Victoria’s peak body for family violence services, argue that funding shortages hinder effective case management and accommodation provision. Current refuges, like those operated by The Salvation Army, offer trauma-informed care but are limited by capacity, with only a fraction of survivors accessing timely support. Aboriginal communities face additional barriers, with organisations like Djirra highlighting the need for culturally safe spaces to address multigenerational trauma. Specialist services for diverse groups, such as those with disabilities or from multicultural backgrounds, are also critically underfunded.

The lack of prioritised investment in crisis accommodation raises serious questions about government commitment to protecting vulnerable Australians. While some funding exists, such as Victoria’s $69.1 million for refuges in 2022, experts argue it falls short of addressing the scale of the crisis. Independent MP Judy Hannan has emphasised the desperate need for local solutions, particularly in underserved areas like Wollondilly. Without significant, targeted funding, survivors face homelessness or returning to abusers, undermining their safety and dignity. The public demands action to ensure no one fleeing violence is turned away from a secure refuge.