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Safe Steps to Legal Rights Project

Promoting economic equity and housing stability for victims-survivors. 

 

 

 

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This project delivers on-site legal assistance to women at serious risk of homelessness across three family violence crisis accommodation sites operated by Safe Steps and The Salvation Army. Through a trauma-informed, early intervention approach, our lawyers support victims-survivors with complex legal casework, helping them assert their rights to safety, financial stability, and legal entitlements. This timely legal support plays a critical role in preventing homelessness and reducing the risk of further violence.

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Despite the project being under-resourced with short-term and limited funding from the Mercy Foundation and the Collier Charitable Fund, demand for this service has far exceeded expectations. In the first six months alone, our legal team assisted 83 victims-survivors, more than triple the initial target of 25 clients. Overall 177 clients were assisted over the financial year.

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Approximately 80% of clients presented with multiple and urgent legal needs. In several cases, clients faced up to four concurrent legal challenges. The legal support provided through this project has led to significant outcomes, including:

• Family violence intervention orders enabling safe return to the home

• Termination of tenancy agreements and return of rental bonds to secure new accommodation

• Withdrawal of infringements, relieving clients of financial burdens caused by perpetrators

• Granting of permanent visas, protecting clients from future visa-related abuse

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