A new women’s safe haven, Arada House, has been launched in Sydney by the Arada Foundation in partnership with Women’s Community Shelters, who will operate the facility.
Announced at NSW Parliament, the Arada House will provide safe housing, crisis support and pathway to independence for women and children escaping domestic and family violence (DFV).
The safe haven’s location will be on a unit block in Campsie, which the Arada Foundation purchased for $3.4 million.
“When the place that should offer safety becomes a source of harm, the foundations of life are shaken. Arada House will be a space to heal, to feel safe again, and to find the strength to rebuild,” said Rosa Piro, Director of the Arada Foundation.
“By providing safe havens and empowering futures, we can help break the cycle of domestic violence.”
In Australia, domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children, with around one in every four women having experienced DVF, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The need for safe, stable housing is dire, and data from BOCSAR shows that in the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area (LGA), where Campsie (and the new site for Arada House) is located, more than 1,700 domestic and family violence-related assaults are recorded each year, which is roughly equivalent to the NSW state average.
At the same time, Homelessness NSW has found that 2,695 people were identified as homeless in the 2021 Census, accounting for 0.7 per cent of the LGA’s population. And social housing wait times in the Canterbury and Bankstown allocation zones exceed 10 years for most property types, according to the NSW government.
In an effort for change, Arada House will provide 20 more safe beds per night for women and children escaping violent situations, which equates to 7,300 more safe bed nights per year for NSW.
In addition, residents of Arada House will have access to support services, including six months of short-term transitional housing, counselling, legal assistance, financial guidance and pathway programs towards education, training and employment opportunities.
“Arada House is a powerful example of what’s possible when shared purpose drives action,” said Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters.
“Arada identified a critical need and lent into its strength as a global developer and community maker. Women’s Community Shelters brought its expertise in innovative housing solutions, and domestic and family violence.”
“Together, we have created a safe haven that will support women and children impacted by DFV for the next 15 years. It’s community partnership at its best.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In an emergency, call 000.