New research reveals NSW shelters find it hard to afford the cost of supporting domestic violence victim-survivors on temporary visas.
A new report from Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), the state’s peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services, reveals that 38 women’s shelters spent approximately $320,000 collectively over three months to support women on temporary visas. However, they receive no funding support from the NSW government to do so, adding immense strain to an already overwhelmed sector.
DVNSW’s new report titled ‘Breaking Barriers: Improving access to refuge accommodation for women on temporary visas in NSW’ found 195 women on temporary visas, accompanied by 112 children – including 36 Australian children – sought refuge from domestic violence over a three-month period in the state.
“Women’s refuges in NSW are often left with impossible decisions about which victim-survivors can receive support,“ DVNSW CEO Delia Donovan said. “As a result of limited resourcing and exit pathways, these women and children are often unable to secure a place in a refuge. With approximately 1 in 3 of the children affected being Australian citizens, it’s Australian children who are also being denied access to safe housing.”
Over 25% of people killed in the context of domestic violence between 2000 and 2022 were born outside Australia, with 12.8% holding temporary visas at the time of their death. With little to no income and very limited access to government support payments, women on temporary visas and their accompanying children can be forced to stay in shelters for up to four years, as it’s often a choice between homelessness or returning to abuse.
Among the recommendations in DVNSW’s report is the need for the NSW government to commit $12 million over two years for a pilot program that will provide essential and culturally appropriate support to victim-survivors in women‘s shelters and migrant and refugee specialist services.
DVNSW has called for a further $3.45 million in brokerage over two years to meet the vital needs for women on temporary visas in shelters. This funding would help ensure women and children receive the right support the first time they seek help, so they don’t return to violence.
Read also: Children murdered in domestic violence rise in NSW
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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