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Services Overview
Violence and abuse
Services Overview
Money and finance
Services Overview
Housing

Housing

What kind of housing support is available to me?

  • Having a safe place to live is important to everyone, for people in violent situations it is even more so
  • If you are worried about where you will live or how you will pay your mortgage or rent, there are services that can help
  • You do not need to feel trapped in a violent situation because of worries about where you will live
  • This page explains some of the services that can help you.

There are different types of housing support in all areas of Australia. These include places to stay in an emergency, places for a longer term stay, and support with paying rent and bond.

You can search our Service Directory for housing services near you. You can also contact 1800RESPECT for a referral: call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services.

I need crisis or emergency accommodation

Many organisations provide safe places to stay for people escaping domestic and family violence. These places may also be able to help with:

  • Emotional support
  • Legal support
  • Finding permanent housing
  • Applying for benefits or grants to help with money

If you are in need of emergency accommodation, you can contact 1800RESPECT for a referral: call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services.

What is transitional housing?

Transitional housing is short-term accommodation with access to support services. It is a step towards a more permanent living arrangement.

People moving into transitional housing have often experienced a sudden or unexpected change. For example, a lost job has meant the rent can't be paid, a marriage break-up leaves one partner with no money or support, or a person may lose the support of — or can no longer live with — other family members.

The services that offer transitional housing are different in each state. You can contact 1800RESPECT for a referral: call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services.

I need help paying rent and bond

If you need help paying rent or bond in the longer term, Services Australia may be able to help.

Next steps

1800RESPECT Service Directory

The 1800RESPECT Service Directory connects you with sexual assault, domestic or family violence services relevant to your needs.

Safety planning

Safety planning is thinking about things you can do to be safer when living with violence or abuse.

Contacting 1800RESPECT Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about 1800RESPECT, including what happens when you call, privacy information and how to lodge a complaint.

acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay respect to Elders 1800RESPECT would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay respect to Elders, both past and present and extend our acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Please be aware that this website may contain the names, images and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may now be deceased.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS). © 2024 Australian Government or Telstra Health Pty Ltd