Media Release: 18 March 2003

New Family Violence Housing Project Pilot Launched

Work is now underway on an innovative 18 month project being run by Women's Health West to increase the sustainable accommodation options for women experiencing family violence.

The Family Violence Housing Pilot Project arose from a recommendation of the Victorian Homelessness Strategy. It is one of three projects in Victoria, and covers the Western Region with a focus on women with low incomes, women with disabilities and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

"There is a chronic shortage of secure housing options for women escaping family violence," says Alfina Sinatra, Team Leader for the Family and Domestic Violence Program. "Women on the highest priority list for public housing, for example, still face a wait of nine to 18 months. Other options are desperately needed, which is how this project came about."

The DHS-funded Project will focus on increasing women's options in two areas: supporting them to get into the private rental market, and to obtain "Sole Occupancy" Orders - that is, an intervention order that means the perpetrator of the violence, rather than the victim(s), are excluded from the family home.

"Too often, when people think about family violence they ask, 'why doesn't she leave?'" says the worker* employed to run the Pilot Project. "One of the many reasons is that for many women, leaving the family home equals homelessness, whether that means staying in a refuge, on a friend's couch, in motels or rooming houses."

"The Project aims to make it easier for women escaping violence - or who have left and are in short-term accommodation - to obtain private rental," the worker continues. "We also want "Sole Occupancy" orders to become a safer, more realistic and better understood option in the community. If so, people might then ask, 'why doesn't he leave?'"

One innovative aspect of the Project is its focus on raising awareness amongst real estate agents, aiming to make them more response to the needs of women and children escaping violence. A limited brokerage fund will be available to give eligible women support with costs such as bond, advance rent, rental arrears (depending on circumstances) and property damage by the perpetrator. Women's Health West believes that real estate agents will be more willing to take on women and their children who have such support.

Other supports offered to women by the Project include information, referral and advocacy in all aspects of housing, family violence, legal and safety issues; liaison with real estate agents; referral to one of three transitional houses; support with applications for public housing and support and information about obtaining a "Sole Occupancy Intervention" Order.

FIND OUT MORE about support available to women and children affected by family violence.

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact our Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis or our Communications Officer on 9689 9588 or via email.