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A Crisis With No Time To Lose

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In Australia, domestic and family violence (DFV) remains a deeply entrenched and urgent social issue. According to the latest ABS Personal Safety Survey, 27% of women have experienced violence and/or emotional or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner since age 15, and 17% have faced partner violence specifically.

Family violence can be fatal all too often. Over 2023-24, a woman was killed every 8 days on average by an intimate partner, and separation remains one of the most dangerous times.

The link to homelessness is clear and growing. In 2022-23, homelessness services helped 58,589 women and 37,825 children who had experienced domestic and family violence. Of those, 27,975 were still in forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, short-term accommodation, or couch surfing, when last contacted.

Nationally, people escaping DFV remain the largest client group in specialist homelessness services, accounting for 42% of all clients. Almost half (45%) of women and girls seeking homelessness support report DFV as the driving reason for needing help.

Every year in Australia over 9,000 women and children become homeless after fleeing domestic and family violence, while 7,690 women return to violent partners simply because they have nowhere else to go.

These statistics all point to a national crisis which underscores why North Star Foundation exists: to offer purpose-built emergency housing where stability replaces fear. Our homes are designed for safety, privacy, and dignity; complete, furnished, and located near schools, services, and community. With rent capped at three times the Centrelink rate and no bond required, we make safety accessible. On exit, families receive support packages to help them step into independence – and not into another crisis.

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