A devastating new report from Impact Economics and Policy shows hundreds of Tasmanian women are becoming homeless because of a lack of suitable housing. More than half of these women, many with children, have been forced to return to a violent partner to have a roof over their heads.
The report, commissioned by Shelter Tasmania and Hobart Women’s Shelter, found women had a greater need for long-term housing, but were less likely to have that need met. The report also showed that women with children had a need for larger homes and are waiting months longer than those without children, forcing them to choose between homelessness and staying in violent relationships to provide shelter for their children.
Providing more social and affordable housing is a vital part of addressing this crisis, but more importantly is ensuring that the right types of homes are built.
The current approach to new housing, both federally and across the states, is to deliver small, one- or two-bedroom homes. Women with children fleeing violent partners typically require larger, three- and four-bedroom homes and it’s vital this is not lost in the rush to deliver more homes.
This reporting follows on from reports last week demonstrating the disproportionate rate at which young Tasmanian women are experiencing family and intimate partner violence.
The solution to the housing crisis facing women lies in both ensuring adequate housing stock suitable to women and children is available, alongside increased education to prevent family violence occurring targeted at young people across the state.
Quotes attributed to Tabatha Badger MP, Greens Member for Lyons and Greens prevention of domestic violence spokesperson.
“Tasmanian Women and children fleeing domestic violence are being turned away from shelters at a rate 6 times above the national average. This is urgent, and we know what the solutions are, the Government needs to get on with the job and protect Tasmanian women and children.
“This is the second report to be released in the past week unveiling the extent Women and children in Tasmania are disproportionately victims in preventable domestic violence situations.
“Again, I echo our calls to the Government to guarantee that Tasmanians will see upscaled invest into a swath of measures that will better protect Women and Children from domestic violence. September’s budget can be a game changer in creating a safer, more respectful future in Tasmania. But that requires serious investment and meaningful action from our Government.”
