New project to improve access to family law property assistance for victim‑survivors

A new project is aiming to improve access to family law property assistance for people experiencing family violence, helping them secure safe and stable housing after separation.

Women’s Legal Service Victoria is partnering with Barwon Community Legal Service, commUnity+ Legal and Westjustice to deliver the Safe settlements: Family Law and Housing Justice project.

Victim‑survivors of family violence and their children often leave their homes to stay safe, which can lead to homelessness, financial insecurity and disruption to work, community and children’s education.

A lack of family law property assistance can make these challenges worse, increasing the risk of ongoing poverty and housing instability.

The project will provide free, intensive family law property assistance to women and non‑binary people who have experienced family violence. By securing fair property settlements, the project aims to improve financial security and recovery for victim-survivors after separation, as well as reduce the risk of homelessness.

The project will track housing and financial security of clients two years post settlement through a longitudinal survey looking at if other legal issues come up, how financial recovery improves and if safe and stable housing is secured.
 

Project partner voices 

Women's Legal Service Victoria

“This legal support is so important for people’s recovery from family violence. We know that family violence is a leading cause of homelessness among women in Victoria.

“Together with our project partners we will be supporting women, non-binary people and their children, who have experienced family violence, to secure and retain safe, long-term and affordable housing through access to free intensive family law property assistance.” 

- Claudia Fatone, CEO

Barwon Community Legal Service 

“At Barwon Community Legal, we see firsthand how the lack of access to family law property assistance can trap victim-survivors in cycles of poverty and instability. This project is about more than legal support – it’s about restoring dignity, safety, and long-term security for women and non-binary people rebuilding their lives after violence. We’re proud to be part of this vital collaboration.”

- Bryanna Connell, CEO

commUnity+

“With their deep expertise in early intervention and response to family violence, both legal and allied support services, the family law team at commUnity+ Legal are pleased to be part of this important project. In the 2024-25 financial year, commUnity+ Legal secured nearly $2.5m in property settlements alone for victim-survivors, ensuring they receive the fair outcome that they deserve and can move onto the next chapter of their lives as safely and securely as possible.”

- Tracy Gaudry, CEO 

WestJustice

“In our catchment alone, 6,202 women needed homelessness services due to family violence in the last financial year. That’s 17 people every day. Housing and financial insecurity play a critical role in preventing women from being able to leave violent relationships and find safety. This is why Westjustice’s involvement in the Safe settlements: Family Law and Housing Justice project is central to ensure access to property settlement for those in our catchment area and, as a flow on effect, ensure safety and a positive impact to those who would otherwise be facing homelessness.”

-  Melissa Hardham CEO

The Safe settlements: Family Law and Housing Justice project is funded through the Victorian Legal Services Board Grants Program.