Housing outcomes after domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children, and a high profile area of social concern. Research suggests that the safety and wellbeing of women and children who are victims of violence improves when services and supports are integrated and linked to long-term housing stability. In response, a national strategy on preventing violence against women and children has been adopted by COAG, and all state and territory jurisdictions have implemented strategic frameworks to ensure support for victims is consistent, coordinated and comprehensive. There has also been substantial reform of criminal justice responses and investment in ‘safe at home’ programs that allow victims to retain secure, stable housing in their own or another home of their choice. This research examines how housing support for vulnerable families can best be integrated with other forms of support to improve safety and wellbeing. Currently, women leaving violence move through a diverse range of housing pathways, and despite the importance of safe, stable housing, housing assistance is not always available and there are many structural impediments to affordability, security and stability in any kind of tenure. The report draws on a desktop national policy review and qualitative interviews with 28 service users and 80 stakeholders, including policy makers, service providers and industry representatives, in two Australian jurisdictions (NSW and Tasmania).