Over the weekend, amidst rallying cries against gender-based violence, women's shelters in Perth grappled with the heartbreaking reality of having to deny assistance to women in immediate danger of harm, underscoring the severe shortage of space and resources within the sector. Leanne Barron, the CEO of Starick, a domestic violence support service, highlighted the critical nature of the situation as she shared how limited capacity forced them to reject requests for help from women with children, leaving them at risk of serious injuries or even death.
Ms. Barron, with decades of experience in the family and domestic violence sector, emphasized that the current circumstances, worsened by a housing affordability crisis, mark the most dire situation she has witnessed. The inability of women to transition from shelters to long-term housing due to the lack of available options poses a significant challenge, trapping them in dangerous situations with perpetrators as they struggle to access safe accommodation. Additionally, the impact of the housing crisis extends to women living with abusers who desire to leave but are unable to do so without suitable housing alternatives. The unfolding crisis has reached a critical juncture, prompting urgent calls for a coordinated national response to combat the escalating violence against women.
The urgent need for action was underscored by a national cabinet meeting scheduled to address what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as a "national crisis" of violence against women, as communities across the country united in rallies against gender-based violence. While efforts are being made to track and monitor repeat domestic violence offenders through GPS tracking laws and other legal measures, the alarming rise in the number of women allegedly killed by men serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive, multifaceted approaches to tackle the root causes of domestic violence. Amidst government announcements of significant funding to address the crisis, advocates are emphasizing the importance of not only financial investments but also systemic changes, including consistent bail reforms, enhanced monitoring of offenders, and improved police response to breaches of orders. Jolene Ellat, director of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group, stressed the importance of a holistic approach that addresses various levels of risk simultaneously, pointing to the need for increased regulation in industries that perpetuate violence against women.