Domestic Violence Refuge

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At least one-in-four Australian children are exposed to domestic violence.

Children who witness domestic violence often exhibit a range of behavioural and emotional problems including aggression, antisocial behaviours, anxiety and/or depression.

The BoysTown family violence refuge provides emergency accommodation to women and their children who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence. Unlike most family refuges, we accept male teenage children. This means mothers do not have to face the difficult choice of either 'staying for their son's sake' or leaving their son in a potentially violent situation.

Our counselling practitioners and child-centred therapists help these families to reconstruct their lives after long-term trauma. Families are provided with case management and training in life skills such as budgeting, hygiene, health and parenting.

Age appropriate activities and family outings help enhance self-awareness, social interaction and enable families to reconnect with the community.

Last year, BoysTown supported 44 mothers and their 109 children. Unfortunately, the need for family refuges is great and we cannot meet all requests for support. We were unable to assist a further 90 families who were referred to our service.

Our family violence refuge is solely funded by BoysTown.