Shelter Tas welcomes the Commissioner for Children Tasmania’s inquiry into the impacts of family and domestic violence on children and young people, and recognises this form of violence as a critical issue impacting on homelessness.
Family and domestic violence (FDV) is a major cause of homelessness (55% of female clients and 25% of all clients presenting to SHS agencies). The shortage of suitable housing for people escaping violence is a compounding factor. Demand for homelessness services is so high that SHS agencies are routinely unable to assist families in need. The current system is critically overloaded – there is simply not enough housing to support peoples’ needs. Unable to access the services they need, the trauma faced by these families is exacerbated and they are exposed to expensive and / or unsuitable accommodation (often in motels, caravan parks, couch surfing, or sleeping in cars). Read more…