To continue providing accommodation and social support for women at risk of homelessness due to family violence, McAuley Community Services will maintain its efforts at its new purpose-built facility in Footscray.
McAuley Community Services will continue to offer accommodation and support in Geelong and Ballarat.
In addition to maintaining the facilities, the government announced the launch of the ‘safe at home’ pilot program.
This innovative program allows women and children to stay in their homes by offering rapid safety planning and comprehensive support, rather than being forced to leave while the perpetrator remains.
The ‘safe at home’ model, developed in partnership with community services organization Meli in Geelong, is based on input from women with lived experiences of family violence and homelessness.
The program provides tailored support and safety enhancements, enabling victim-survivors to stay in their homes while the perpetrator relocates.
The program responds within 48 hours to assess individual and household needs, which may include family violence case managers, legal and financial experts, and children’s support workers.
Additionally, the initiative offers case management and trauma counseling for victim survivors, and case management for perpetrators to ensure they remain monitored. Alternative short-term accommodation is provided for perpetrators.
Regular safety assessments ensure the ongoing safety of those staying at home. If conditions change and it becomes unsafe to remain, victim survivors receive support to relocate.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said, “This new purpose-built accommodation is helping local women and children get the support they need.”
Acting premier Ben Carroll said, “We know from talking to women who have lived experience of family violence and homelessness that one of the biggest changes we can make is to support them to be able to stay in the family home.”
Housing minister Harriet Shing said, “This will provide support and wraparound services for Victorians, including victim-survivors of family violence – including both emergency accommodation and pilot programs to keep women in the family home.”
