Anglicare Tasmania releases report into domestic violence in North-West and calls on government to make improvements for survivors

One Tasmanian region stands-out as a domestic violence hotspot with survivors seeking housing assistance at alarming rates. Here’s how an expanding program is hoping to change that.

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Soon after a report revealed the high rates of domestic abuse in Tasmania’s North-West, the state government announced it would expand its Family Violence Rapid Rehousing program.

Anglicare Tasmania’s Unsafe and Unhoused report indicated the North-West region was a domestic and family violence (DFV) “hotspot”. The data showed Tasmania Police reporting rates of DFV are 1.35 times higher than in the south of the state.

Also, the number of survivors seeking housing assistance due to DFV is 3.75 times higher in the North-West compared with those living in the South.

Anglicare Tasmanian Policy and Advocacy Officer Ginny Toombs. Picture: Supplied.

Anglicare Policy and Advocacy Officer Ginny Toombs said improving housing for DFV survivors should be a priority for the state government.

“There’s a significant lack of affordable housing in the region, and we’re calling for an urgent increase to crisis accommodation — specifically for victim-survivors as well,” Ms Toombs said.

“We found that despite the higher rates of domestic and family violence in the region, the number of self-contained crisis shelter units for women and children is actually a bit lower than the rest of the state.

“Housing options are super important to give people the opportunity to leave the situation and then start accessing help and support.”

Ms Toombs, a co-author of the Unsafe and Unhoused report, also wanted to see a framework implemented to allow information sharing and risk assessment across government and private agencies.

Liberal Minister Felix Ellis backs under-fire Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

On Friday, the state government announced expressions of interest were open to add up to 100 more Family Violence Rapid Rehousing properties to the existing program.

Housing Minister Felix Ellis said providing more support for women and children who were put in “unimaginable situations” caused by DFV was a priority.

“Providing safe and secure homes through our Family Violence Rapid Rehousing program is an important part of ensuring we’re keeping women and children safe,” Mr Ellis said.

“We’re calling on property owners to be part of the solution by supporting victims of family violence.

“This Rapid Rehousing program provides housing assistance for people escaping family violence through transitional accommodation with leases up to 12 months at subsidised rent until they are able to transition to independent living.”

Minister Madeleine Ogilvie at the video game showcase at PW1. Picture: Linda Higginson

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the state government was serious about achieving its vision of a Tasmania where all are safe, equal, and respected.

“Innovative programs, such as this, bring increased capacity to our ability to help,” Ms Ogilvie said.