Domestic violence and homelessness
Domestic and family violence can lead to homelessness. Listed below are a number of initiatives underway that aim to prevent people experiencing domestic and family violence from becoming homeless. Some of these initiatives are funded under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness.
Domestic and Family Violence Policy Statement
Start Safely
Start Safely is a subsidy which provides short to medium term financial help to eligible clients, including those with children, who have experienced domestic or family violence so that they can secure private rental accommodation and do not have to return to the violent situation. For more information, please see Start Safely.
Staying Home, Leaving Violence
This DCJ initiative aims to increase safety and prevent homelessness by enabling the person experiencing domestic and family violence and their children to remain in their home. The service model includes outreach support, risk assessment, safety planning, security modifications and equipment, court support and casework and advocacy.
| Project name | LGAs covered | Contact number |
|---|---|---|
| Bega SHLV | Bega | 6492 6239 |
| Blacktown SHLV (expansion) | Blacktown Mt Druitt | 9677 1962 |
| Broken Hill SHLV | Broken Hill LGA | 08 8088 2520 |
| Campbelltown SHLV | Campbelltown | 1800 077 760 4633 3777 |
| Cessnock SHLV | Cessnock | 4937 1927 |
| Clarence Valley SHLV | Clarence Valley | 6684 4299 |
| Coffs Harbour SHLV | Coffs Harbour | 6652 9944 |
| Dubbo SHLV | Dubbo | 6883 1561 |
| Eastern Sydney SHLV | Maroubra | 9314 4006 |
| Kempsey SHLV | Kempsey | 6562 2272 |
| Lake Macquarie SHLV | Lake Macquarie | 4943 9255 |
| Liverpool SHLV | Liverpool | 9602 7795 |
| Fairfield SHLV | Fairfield | 9602 7795 |
| Maitland SHLV | Maitland | 4937 1927 |
| Moree SHLV | Moree | 6752 8027 |
| Nowra SHLV | Nowra | 4421 7400 |
| Orange SHLV | Orange | 1300 384 357 |
| Parramatta SHLV | Parramatta | 9636 8437 |
| Holroyd SHLV | Holroyd | 9636 8437 |
| Penrith SHLV | Penrith | 4721 2499 |
| Redfern SHLV | Redfern | 9699 9036 |
| Shoalhaven SHLV | Nowra | 4424 7400 |
| South Grafton SHLV | South Grafton | 6640 3800 |
| Tamworth SHLV | Tamworth | 1800 073 388 |
| Wollongong SHLV | Wollongong | 4255 5333 |
| Wyong/Gosford SHLV | Wyong/Gosford | 4356 2600 |
More information about Staying Home Leaving Violence.
Safe House Accommodation for families escaping violence (Western NSW)
The Safe House network provides support to Aboriginal women and their accompanying children who are escaping family or domestic violence in Western NSW. Each Safe House provides a safe place for women and their children.
While in the Safe House, clients and staff consider their immediate needs for shelter and emotional support as well as addressing their safety and wellbeing needs into the future. It also links Aboriginal women and children escaping violence with early intervention programs and identifies ways to strengthen vulnerable families.
Four Safe Houses are currently in operation, located in Lightning Ridge, Wilcannia, Bourke and Walgett. In Brewarrina the service provides immediate support for women and children escaping family of domestic violence.
Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program
This program funds 29 Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services, which provide support at 117 local courts around the state. The program provides advice, information and support to women seeking legal protection from domestic violence and help with other needs including accessing support services (for example financial assistance and advice, housing, counselling and family law issues).
Central Coast Homeless Family Brokerage Project
This project provides support to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women and children escaping domestic violence by assisting them to gain access to crisis accommodation, integrated case management, associated services and material support. For further information please see Coast Shelter website.