Family Violence
Family Violence and Homelessness
Family Violence is a major cause of homelessness in Australia. It makes women and children vulnerable to homelessness in two major ways: firstly, violence removes the sense of safety and belonging associated with the home; and secondly, leaving a violent situation usually requires leaving the family home (Chamberlain & Johnson 2013).
In situations where people experiencing domestic and family violence need to leave their home, Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) can provide crisis and emergency accommodation; income support; counselling; referrals to legal services; connections to social housing providers; other specialised support or referrals to specialist providers.
This page is a resource for those working within the homelessness and family violence sector (especially in the eastern region) who are seeking information to support their clients.
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If you are in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the Police
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If you or someone you care about is experiencing family violence, contact The Orange Door, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Or find your nearest Orange Door Service
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After hours, contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 24/7 or visit: safesteps.org.au
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Tell someone you can trust – a family member, a friend, a neighbour or your doctor
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For CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) family violence response, services and programs, contact InTouch Multicultural Centre against Family Violence on 1800 755 988 (Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm). FVREE (formerly EDVOS)- 9259 4200 also has access to free interpreter services if required.
Sector News
Homelessness Australia hosts Homelessness Week annually to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness.
During the week homelessness services and community groups raise awareness of the impact of homelessness, and the solutions needed to end homelessness, and advocate for change via national and local community events, media and social media activities.
In 2024, Homelessness Week 2024 will be held from Monday August 5 to Sunday August 11.
The theme for Homelessness Week 2024 is “Homelessness Action Now”.
Training
The Ringwood Magistrates’ Court Specialist Family Violence Service invites you to participate in the: “Walk in Her Shoes Tour”
Join us for a tour of the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court. It is anticipated that you will gain a sense of the experience of applying for an intervention order and gain knowledge and understanding of the court process, including an overview of the support services available at court.
Client Supports and Activities
STEP FORWARD is an educational support group for women who have experienced family violence and are looking for strategies and resources to heal from their experience and regain a sense of their rights.
Research and Reports
In late 2021, The Salvation Army did a nationwide Social Justice Stocktake to get to the heart of what people were seeing in their local communities. From there, they built a map of social justice priorities across Australia.
Practitioner Resources
The State-wide Children’s Resource Program (SCRP) advocates for and assists practitioners in homelessness support and other non-government services to respond more effectively to the needs of children who have experienced homelessness and/or family violence.