Housing NSW recognises that domestic and family violence can lead to homelessness. Listed below are a number of projects 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.
Start Safely
Housing NSW has developed Start Safely, a subsidy to provide short to medium term financial help to women, 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 the Start Safely Brochure (PDF file, 428KB).
Staying Home, Leaving Violence (SHLV)
This Community Services 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.
Staying Home Leaving Violence Locations
Staying Home Leaving Violence is available in 18 locations across NSW. Contact details for the providers are as follows:
More information on SHLV is available on the Community Services website.
Long term accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence (Western Sydney, Illawarra, Hunter)
This project aims to improve women and children’s safety and reduce the length of time that these families spend in crisis accommodation services. The project provides integrated housing and support for women and children to assist them to maintain their tenancies. The program provides increased housing options within social housing and private rental markets and a wide range of support services.
Safe Accommodation for families escaping violence (Western NSW)
This project has a focus on supporting Aboriginal women and children escaping violence in Western NSW. The project provides a safety plan for women and their children that addresses their safety and wellbeing into the future, as well as considering their immediate needs for shelter and emotional support. It links them with early intervention programs and identifies ways to strengthen vulnerable families.
Women's DV Court Advocacy Program
This program funds 28 Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services, which provide support at 108 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).
CentralCoastHomeless Family Brokerage Project
This project provides support to Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and children escaping domestic violence through assisting them to gain access to crisis accommodation, integrated case management, associated services and material support.
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