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Key Issues

Homelessness is a growing crisis in Australia, especially for women who are experiencing homelessness at rapidly increasing rates. The shortage of safe and secure housing options for women and children, particularly for those fleeing family and domestic violence, has reached a critical level, largely due to government inaction and systemic issues that have compounded over decades.

Tackling the housing crisis and homelessness demands a gender-transformative approach that acknowledges and responds to the specific needs and challenges faced by women and non-binary individuals. By implementing tailored, intersectional, and gender-equitable solutions, it is possible to end homelessness for all.

 

The Crisis

Homelessness is increasing across Australia — and women, children and gender-diverse people are disproportionately impacted. Domestic and family violence is the single biggest driver of homelessness for women.

 

  • Domestic and family violence is the number one reason women become homeless in Australia.

  • 7,690 women return to violent homes each year and 9,120 women a year are becoming homeless as a direct result of family violence — simply because they have nowhere else to go

  • The crisis is huge, yet still growing. In 2023‑24, 92,476 people in families sought help; almost half (39,000) had already lost their housing.

  •  Services are overstretched. Even after getting support, 32,451 family members were still homeless, which is up 7%.

  • People who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual are at least twice as likely as those who identified as heterosexual to have ever experienced homelessness.

Key Issues

There are many key issues that women, trans and gender diverse people, and families face.

Gender-based violence and homelessness

Too often, women, trans and gender diverse people, and families face an impossible choice: remain in unsafe housing or return to violent homes.

Housing Shortage

There is a critical lack of crisis, transitional and long-term social housing, leaving thousands without a safe pathway forward.

Unsafe emergency accommodation

Many services rely on substandard motels — unsafe, unsuitable, and retraumatising for people fleeing violence and experiencing homelessness.

Lack of long-term housing

Without affordable housing options, women, trans and gender diverse people and families remain trapped in cycles of crisis and instability.

What is needed

Ending homelessness requires solutions that recognise housing as more than shelter — it is safety, dignity, and a foundation for life. To achieve this, responses must address the gendered drivers of homelessness and put equity at the centre of housing policy.

Solutions

Address Gendered Inequality

Gender inequality is a key drive of homelessness. Policies must tackle the economic and social conditions that put women, trans and gender diverse people at greater risk, including:

  • Closing the gender pay gap
  • Fair access to flexible and secure work
  • Adequate rates of income support
  • Eliminating workplace and housing discrimination

 

Apply an Intersectional Gender Lens

Different groups experience homelessness in different ways. Housing policy must recognise and respond to the diverse housing needs of women, trans and gender diverse people, shaped by factors such as age, culture, language, visa status, ability, sexuality and race.

 

Confront Gendered Violence

Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness. We need:

  • Housing and family violence services to work together
  • Dedicated pathways to long-term housing for those escaping violence
  • Prevention and early intervention that reduce the risks of violence leading to homelessness

 

Recognise Housing as a Human Right

Housing should not be treated as a commodity but as a right. This means:

  • Enshrining the right to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing in legislation
  • A whole-of-government approach that connects housing policy with taxation, welfare, economic security, climate change, and urban planning

 

Embed Lived Experience Expertise

Policy and service design must be shaped with — not just for — those who have experienced homelessness and family and domestic violence. Co-design ensures better services and solutions grounded in real experience.

 

Fund Housing and Support Together

Investment in housing must be matched with funding for the services that help people access, maintain, and thrive in secure housing. This includes trauma-informed support, day-to-day management, and wraparound programs that enable recovery.

 

Our Work