Tasmania’s peak body for housing and homelessness, Shelter Tas, supports the Government’s zero tolerance approach to family violence and announcement of additional funding for domestic violence services and prevention measures.
“Not everyone is aware of the importance of safe, affordable housing in tackling family violence”, Shelter Tas Executive Officer, Pattie Chugg said.
Domestic and family violence continues to be a significant driver of homelessness; of the 1,579 people identified as homeless in Tasmania, 26% cited domestic violence and relationship issues as their reasons for seeking support.
“Achieving the positive outcomes we all want depends on providing a safe roof, along with zero tolerance and other supports. The availability of secure, affordable housing is crucial to transition women out of crisis into permanent accommodation on leaving violent situations”, Ms Chugg said.
Funding for crisis and longer term housing is an essential part of the solution for these families to ensure their safety and enable them to rebuild their lives.
“We know from our members who provide crisis accommodation and longer term housing that there is a chronic shortage, which can leave victims of family violence with nowhere to go”.
“We look forward to seeing the Government address this shortfall in affordable, secure, permanent accommodation and emergency options in the upcoming budget,” Ms Chugg said.
For more information, go to the Shelter Tas website, where you can view Shelter’s Budget submission 2015-16.
Pattie Chugg (Executive Officer)
