We’ve often observed that while the issues surrounding domestic and family violence are complex, one thing should be simple – housing. Governments can and should ensure that no one escaping a violent household is turned away or turned back through lack of access to safe and affordable housing – whether it be in the urgent first days and weeks or long-term, as shattered lives are rebuilt.
This week saw a large $464 million commitment (over 4 years) to establish 75 ‘core and cluster’ domestic and family violence accommodation services in regional and rural areas. These well-located, self-contained centres make a lot of sense. The announcement also included approximately $52 million to build 200 social housing properties for women and children escaping domestic and family violence and approximately $5.2 million for a trial program for children and young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness due to domestic and family violence.
You can read more about the announcement in the Sydney Morning Herald article here.