Expanding crisis accommodation for Victorian Women & children

The Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is investing more than $10 million over four years to improve access to crisis accommodation for victim-survivors across Victoria.

Four specialist providers have been selected to expand and enhance their supports for women and children escaping violence.

For women & children, having immediate access to safe accommodation can be the difference between remaining in danger and beginning the journey to recovery.

This investment will expand proven family violence services, helping more victim-survivors access tailored, wraparound support and secure the stable housing they need to rebuild their lives.

Following a competitive, open process, funding has been awarded to:

• Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand – to enhance its Bridget House model in Melbourne’s Bayside Peninsula region, providing a safe alternative to motel accommodation for culturally, linguistically, and faith diverse women and children.
• Refuge Victoria – to deliver Looking Ahead, a housing recovery and support program helping victim-survivors with complex needs.
• Kara Family Violence Service – to expand housing support in Melbourne’s Inner East, helping victim-survivors leave crisis accommodation and secure safe, longer-term housing through tailored housing advice, advocacy, and support.
• Haven Home Safe – to support its Exit Pathways Program across Western Melbourne, Central Highlands, and Barwon, supporting women and children affected by family violence to access and sustain safe and affordable housing.

Together, these expanded services will help more women & children access safety and specialist support when they need it most, while creating stronger pathways to recovery, independence and long-term housing stability.

This funding is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s $89.7 million investment in Victoria through a renewed funding agreement and is part of our governments more than $4.4 billion investment into tackling Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence across Australia.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:

“Everyone deserves to be safe in their home, but when they’re not, they need more than just a roof over their head. They need real support, stability, and security to recover from violence and rebuild their lives.

“We are working to make sure women can children can access safe accommodation with the specialist support they need, when they need it.”

“This funding, together with our record $4.4 billion investment, the Leaving Violence Program, and prevention programs, are all helping to create real change”

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney:

“No woman should have to choose between violence and homelessness. Leaving a relationship is often the most dangerous and stressful time for women and children, and access to services can make a lifesaving difference.

“I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary work of our specialist family violence services. They are the backbone of our response to gender-based violence, and this investment will help ensure our essential frontline workers can continue their vital work, reaching more women and children when they need support most”.

“The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments are united in our commitment to end family, domestic and sexual violence. This investment backs the frontline services that support victim-survivors every day, helping more people find safety, stability and hope for the future.”

Quotes attributable to the Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Sonya Kilkenny:

“Victoria leads the nation in the prevention of family violence – we know there is more to do and only Labor will do it.

“This investment builds on our work to expand refuge and crisis accommodation, giving victim-survivors more options to find a safe place to live when they leave violence.

“Victim-survivors will receive specialist support to help them find a path out of crisis accommodation and keep them in safe so they can rebuild their lives.”