Media release

Under embargo until 0500AM Friday October 10

SCALE OF DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE’S ROLE IN HOMELESSNESS IN VIC REVEALED: WORLD HOMELESS DAY 

New analysis from Homelessness Australia has revealed increases in the leading causes of homelessness in Australia and Victoria, as the globe marks both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day. 

Across Australia in June this year, family and domestic violence and cost-of-living were the biggest drivers of homelessness. People seeking homelessness help because of family and domestic violence is also the homelessness driver that has increased most in the last two years; up 13% between June 2023 and June 2025. 

The analysis of AIHW monthly homelessness data found the top four reasons people sought homelessness help in June 2025 were family and domestic violence (35,736 people seeking help), eviction (34,094 people), financial difficulty (33,038 people), and housing affordability stress (32,979 people). People needing homeless help due to housing affordability stress increased by 8.1% over two years. 

In Victoria, during the month of June 2025, 14,520 people sought homelessness support because of family and domestic violence, up from 13,675 in June 2024. Of those 14,520, 10,783 were female clients. 

“Australians have been calling attention to domestic and family violence and the housing crisis for years. We have sounded the alarm again and again over the risks to safety when survivors have nowhere to go to escape violence. This data clearly shows that governments have not done enough to stop rising homelessness and protect victim survivors of violence,” Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin said. 

Homelessness Australia is urging the federal government to use the Mid-Year Financial Economic Outlook to turn the tide on rising homelessness.

Practical and impactful measures should include:

• preventing more people from becoming homeless in the first place by delivering early intervention programs, increased income support and more social homes

• matching rising demand for homelessness support with the resources to respond so people in need can connect with the help they need

“Today is also World Mental Health Day. The stress and risks of homelessness take a devastating toll on people’s mental health. A secure home and the support people need to keep it are the foundation for positive wellbeing for all of us. We have so much to gain if we take action now,” Kate Colvin said. 

To arrange an interview, please call or text Kathleen on 0421 522 080.