Federal Budget 2021 dubbed a failure for victims of domestic violence

“There is no provision in the Federal Budget to build much needed social housing for the hundreds of thousands of Australians priced out of the rental market”

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg holds a copy of the 2021-2022 Federal Budget. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

The 2021 Federal Budget has failed those trying to escape domestic violence says North Coast community, disability and support services organisation the Momentum Collective.

The 2021 Federal Budget had some good news for women and children escaping family violence with a modest increase in funding for frontline services and some preventative programs. However, according to the Collective, it fails to address the issue that would help women and children escaping violence most - our national affordable housing crisis.

“There is no provision in the Federal Budget to build much needed social housing for the hundreds of thousands of Australians priced out of the rental market,” a spokesperson from the Momentum Collective said.

“One of the greatest barriers to women and children leaving violent and abusive homes is the fear that they won’t have somewhere safe to go and this has been exacerbated in recent times with the decline of affordable housing stock in communities all across the nation.”

In 2019-2020 around 41 percent of people seeking help from specialist homelessness services were experiencing domestic and family violence.

“We often hear people ask why women don’t leave abusive partners and there are many reasons why someone remains in an abusive relationship, commonly it is because at least they have a roof over their heads,” the spokesperson said.

“Out of sheer desperation they might decide it is safer to stay than to risk becoming homeless, especially if there are children involved.”

Having support services available and importantly knowing that it is possible to start a new life safely can be deciding factors for people leaving violent and abusive relationships the spokesperson explained.

“A vital part of the solution to assisting women and children escape domestic and family violence is providing safe, affordable and secure housing and sadly our housing system is broken in Australia,” they said.

“Even though we are a wealthy nation with a relatively small population, it is devastating to know that on any given night more than 116,000 people experience homelessness and a significant number include women and children trying to escape violent homes.”

The Momentum Collective has therefore called on all levels of government to urgently address the housing crisis.

“We can’t continue to play politics with people’s lives and shift the blame from State to Federal authorities,” the spokesperson said.

“We need to work together to find solutions. Invest in housing because it is a basic human right. Invest in housing because it saves lives and provides safety and equity for all Australians.”

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call:
Clarence Valley Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Service: 66424955
NSW DV Line: 1800 65 64 63
National: 1800RESPECT