Innocence lost: the biggest cohort fleeing violence

As domestic violence becomes increasingly damaging, more than half of shelter residents now make up children.

Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), which provides shelter and support to women and children fleeing violence and experiencing homelessness, says the situation has worsened and become more complex.

The organisation’s latest data shows that more than 300 children will access housing services in 2025.

Children presenting for domestic abuse also became more common, increasing by 12 percent from 2024.

“Children don’t just witness domestic violence; they experience it as victims themselves,” said WCS chief executive Annabelle Daniel. he said.

“An important factor is the increase in child protection issues, which are now becoming more common and serious among families applying to shelters.”

Larger families wait longer to get help because of the difficulty of hosting more children.

But the longer they wait to seek help, the greater the risk.

WCS also noted a 12 percent increase in the number of adult shelter clients considered at serious threat of domestic homicide, the highest level of risk requiring immediate referral and management.

Ms Daniel added that the increase in the number of children accessing shelters highlights the need for continued investment in specialist supports.

“Families coming to our shelters need to navigate complex systems like never before,” she said.

“Many face multiple, intersecting challenges that require immediate and specialized support.”

Across all demographic groups, domestic violence, rather than housing affordability, is the primary reason clients seek shelter.

A landmark parliamentary inquiry examining the relationship between domestic violence and suicide was told that children and young people affected were often invisible within existing support structures.

Research shows that exposure to violence can have profound and lasting effects on children and young people, including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.

Youth mental health organization Orygen said young people, particularly those receiving out-of-home care, should be considered a group at risk for both domestic violence and suicide.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Child Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Male Referral Service 1300 766 491