A women’s shelter in Perth has officially closed, leaving dozens of women and survivors of domestic violence without emergency accommodation.
The Safe Night Space, located in East Perth, opened as part of a trial by the City of Perth council and ran for two and a half years. The service was provided by Ruah Community Services, an organisation providing support to those experiencing homelessness and family violence.
It was located at the Rod Evans Community Centre and officially closed on Thursday, with its trial coming to an end. The council had decided in February that the centre would be returned to the community for other use at the end of November. The decision came after residents from the East Perth had made complaints about the shelter.
The trial had originally been scheduled to end on 30 May but was extended for another six months by the council.
On Thursday, Western Australia Premier Roger Cook placed blame on the City of Perth for the centre’s closure that has left vulnerable women without shelter.
“This is an unacceptable situation. There are 30 more vulnerable women, many who are homeless, many who are facing family and domestic violence circumstances, who will be on the streets of Perth tonight because of the decision,” Cook told reporters.
“It’s regrettable. It’s unfortunate.”
The state government had offered $3.1 million of funding to the City of Perth to keep the Safe Night Space running for another two years, but Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said it came too late, describing it as an “11th hour” offer. He also said he had already committed to returning the building for other community use.
In a statement, Zempilas said “the Premier’s statements are undermining our collective efforts to transition vulnerable women to other available services.”
A petition on change.org is apealing for the council and state government to provide funding and support to ensure the continued operation of the Safe Night Space. At the time of publishing, 22,000 people have signed the petition.
“The Safe Night Space for Women has been a vital refuge for women facing homelessness in Perth,” the petition reads.
“This essential service provides a safe, secure environment, shelter, and access to critical resources for those in need. With the current housing crisis in Perth, the closure of this facility would be devastating for vulnerable women in our community.”
Western Australia has the highest rate of women who seek shelter from homelessness services who have also experienced family and domestic violence.
The closure of Safe Night Space comes during the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, and as Australia grapples with a domestic violence crisis.
According to researchers at Destroy the Joint, 56 women have been killed due to violence against women this year.
If you are concerned about your behaviour, or about someone using violence, call Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
If you or someone you know is in need of help due to sexual assault or family and domestic violence contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
In an emergency call 000.