200 NSW women now safe after fleeing home violence

More than 200 women fleeing violence have had their rent bonds paid by the NSW government under a scheme that is helping victim-survivors rebuild their lives.

The NSW government’s Rentstart Bond Loan scheme allow victim-survivors of domestic and family violence to access a loan of up to 100 per cent of their rental bond to secure accommodation.

More than 200 women fleeing violence have had their rent bonds paid by the NSW government so they can move to safe accommodation.

The Rentstart Bond Loan scheme was expanded in October 2023 to allow victim-survivors of domestic and family violence to access a loan of up to 100 per cent of their rental bond to secure accommodation.

The Telegraph can reveal that change has meant 204 victim-survivors across the state who would otherwise have been ineligible have been approved for the scheme and are in safe and stable accommodation.

Charlotte fled violence in her home and relocated to Orange so she could keep herself and her baby safe and be closer to family.

“I found the courage to leave by really considering the damage it would do to my baby growing up witnessing his mother go through domestic violence,” Charlotte told the Telegraph.

More than 200 victim-survivors across the state are now in safe and stable accommodation.

“I didn’t want him to see that as a normal behaviour and end up treating women how his father treated me.

“I also could never risk the violence turning to my son down the track or him ever being in harm’s way because of my choice to stay.

“It was scary and I didn’t know where to start, where to go, or how to get there – but I knew wholeheartedly it was the only option I had to keep me and my baby safe.”

Charlotte’s initial few months of hotel hopping while pregnant with her dog and some bags, was “draining and scary”.

“It didn’t feel like I would ever be settled somewhere,” she said.

Her initial few months of hotel hopping while pregnant with her dog and some bags was “draining and scary”.

The Orchard Orange refuge became home for Charlotte once her baby was born.

“It was beautiful. I felt wrapped in support,” she said.

“We had to stay in hospital for three weeks and they reassured me I wouldn’t lose my place with them.

Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson wants leaving a violent situation made easier for victims Picture: Monique Harmer

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Jodie Harrison says her government is committed to supporting domestic violence victims Picture: Monique Harmer

“My case worker with The Orchard helped me claim Victims Support funding to prepare myself for a private rental by getting household essentials and furniture.

“She also helped find my rental that I ended up moving into after 11 months at the refuge. “She set me up with a Rentstart Bond Loan which has helped me immensely with being able to afford my rental and be secure.

“I would say no matter how scary it is, you can do it. There is so much support available to women facing domestic violence.

“You don’t need a man, you can achieve everything beyond your wildest dreams on your own with some support from services.”

Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said safe, secure and affordable accommodation was one of the key barriers for many women who are trying to escape an abusive relationship.

“That’s why this Government is offering historic financial assistance to ensure that women and

children experiencing domestic and family violence can get a foothold in the private rental market, delivering the stability they need to rebuild their lives,” she said.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Domestic and family violence is a key contributor to women’s homelessness in NSW, and securing safe housing is a critical hurdle for women escaping abusive relationships.

“You can’t leave violence if you don’t have somewhere safe to go.”

Originally published as 200 NSW women now safe after fleeing home violence