In the context of rising housing and cost-of-living pressures, there are over 30,000 people experiencing homelessness across Victoria, with family violence being a leading cause of housing insecurity for women and children. This increased risk of homelessness is being further exacerbated by record rent increases, and an acute shortage of social (public and community) and affordable housing, which is locking out many women and children from securing safe and sustainable homes.

Justice Connect’s Homeless Law has seen significant growth in demand for our trauma-informed legal services, coupled with an increase in the complexity of circumstances impacting women and children facing homelessness. This includes more demand for tailored, integrated legal and social work assistance, along with embedded financial, employment, and community support pathways.

In this evidence-based report, Justice Connect reflects on ten years of impact through our Women’s Homelessness Prevention Project (WHPP), highlighting our work keeping women and children safely housed, and breaking the links between homelessness, family violence, and financial insecurity.