Uniting Vic.Tas has called on the Australian Government to strengthen the next phase of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, arguing that safety cannot be achieved without addressing housing insecurity, financial hardship and gaps in support for children and victim-survivors.
Drawing on insights from practitioners across family violence, housing, homelessness, financial counselling, family services and settlement programs, Uniting’s submission highlights how poverty, lack of affordable housing and economic abuse can trap people in violent relationships and undermine recovery.
The submission calls for:
- Greater investment in crisis, transitional, social and affordable housing
- Stronger income support and financial protections for victim-survivors
- Access to safety and support regardless of visa status
- Recognition of children as victim-survivors in their own right, with access to assessment, safety planning and therapeutic support
- Stronger accountability and intervention systems for people who use violence.
Uniting also urges governments to build a more integrated and accountable national response, ensuring services can work together to identify risk, support recovery and prevent violence before it escalates.
Carol Jeffs, Chief Executive Officer of Uniting Vic.Tas, said ending violence requires action far beyond the specialist family violence sector.
“Women and children have a fundamental right to live safely and free from violence, regardless of their income, housing circumstances, cultural background or migration status. Realising that right requires urgent, coordinated action across government and society.”
Read Uniting’s full submission to the consultation on the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
