Reports

Family violence is a very serious and widespread issue in Australia. It has become an area of growing public concern, and is a priority area for Australian and state and territory governments. This resource sheet examines the extent of the problem, and explores some programs that have been trialled in Indigenous communities to reduce family violence. It also examines non-Indigenous-specific Australian and international programs. It identifies principles and components that contribute to successful programs, and highlights the need for well-designed program evaluations.

Part of Closing the Gap Clearinghouse.

Domestic and family violence causes considerable disruption to the lives of Australian families, with many affected seeking alternative accommodation; this puts them at an increased risk of falling into homelessness. The report, Domestic and family violence and homelessness 2011–12 to 2013–14, is the first of its kind to examine multiple years of homelessness data. The report describes the characteristics of clients of specialist homelessness services who sought assistance for domestic and family violence, the services requested, outcomes achieved, and unmet requests for services between 2011–12 and 2013–14.

Domestic violence affects the physical, emotional, social and economic wellbeing of individuals and families. Domestic violence is also a major factor contributing to homelessness in Australia, particularly for women. In 2003-04, it is estimated that 33% (32,700) of the 100,200 clients accessing the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), the major government response to homelessness in Australia, were women escaping domestic violence. In addition, 66% (34,700) of the 52,700 accompanying children in SAAP were children who accompanied a female parent or guardian escaping domestic violence.