A safe haven is more than a roof – it's where victims of domestic and family violence can feel safe, regain agency, and begin to heal. In this week’s panel discussion on Helping Hands, our panellists Lisa Annabel (CEO of Biyani House), Steve Frost (founder of Horizons Family Law Centre), and Libby Caskey (Community Development Manager, Women's Housing Company) discuss what is means to provide a safe haven.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic violence extends far beyond physical abuse, explains Steve, who has practiced family law for 30 years.
"Thirty years ago, I would have given a simplistic answer focused on physical aspects," he replied when asked to describe domestic violence. "Thankfully, there's been much greater understanding about the different ways people can damage one another in a domestic setting."
He says that his description today would include any behaviour that's violent, threatening, or makes another person fearful or feel coerced.
A Place of Safety
Libby says a safe haven is "a place where someone can finally feel safe. [A place where] they can trust the person they're with or the environment they’re in ... [A place where] they'll be empowered to take those next steps that are required to have the long-term safety that they deserve."
Lisa adds to the conversation saying, "[Safety] starts with a welcoming physical environment where people can rest and restore ... [and] it also extends to feeling respected, listened to, and supported."
The Legal Path to Safety
Steve outlines a number of legal measures victims need to consider when seeking safety from domestic violence.
"People need to think about getting from being physically together to physically separate," he explains, saying people need to be financially separate before they can completely move on from violent situations.
While accessing lawyers can feel intimidating, Steve says help is available.
"There's a robust community sector of free and government-funded lawyers who can help someone plan and follow a path from something unsafe or corrosive into a fresh opportunity."
He says the law wants people to be safe and free. "Police provide great support in the riskiest situations, and there's lawyers, mediators, and courts … that can provide help."
The Importance of Safe Housing
Lisa explains the importance of safe housing, beyond crisis shelters and temporary housing . "[A safe place to live is] the difference between staying in danger and having the opportunity to start again somewhere safe."
Libby sees the transformation that takes place in people when they have safe and secure housing.
"When someone is placed into transitional or long-term safe and secure housing, you will see that woman flourish. She'll go back into work … You'll see positive impacts on her children," she says.
The Housing Crisis Challenge
Australia's housing shortage impacts domestic violence victims and services.
Long waitlists mean women often return to their unsafe homes because they have nowhere else to go. "If a woman has to wait [for permanent safe housing], the likelihood of her returning to her perpetrator is very common," Libby explains.
Accessing long-term housing can take a long time. "It's having a profound impact on how quickly women get back on with their lives."
How the Public Can Help
Lisa offers practical ways we can all make a difference.
"There are amazing corporates and philanthropic organisations offering properties," she says. "For anyone who has a property or opportunity to donate to services building housing for women, jump in and get involved."
Libby encourages landlords to prioritise women with children. "If you're listing a home, ensure it goes to a woman with children … With subsidy programs, it's fundamental because it’s that next step they can take if they can’t access long-term social housing or crisis accommodation."
Advocacy is also important, says Libby. Ultimately, a safe haven means safety, dignity, support, and the freedom to rebuild.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT, or Lifeline: 13 11 14.
#helpinghandstvau #makingtheworldabetterplace #paneldiscussion #impactmakers #impact #gamechangers #socialgood #tvshowforsocialgood #becabbott #domesticviolence #domesticandfamilyviolence #biyanihouse #lisaannabel #horizonsfamilylawcentre #stevefrost #womenshousingcompany #libbycaskey #safehaven #housingcrisis #crisisaccommodation #1800respect #lifeline
