Alarming rates of women and children experiencing homelessness

19% increase in women being supported by Women’s Refuge since 2017

Sadly, as soon as a woman and her children flee an unsafe home environment, they are homeless. Census data categorises them as ‘homeless’ at this point.    

While Women’s Refuge  fills a critical need in our country to support vulnerable women and their children, it is shameful to see a growing need for their services and, therefore, growing rates of homelessness for women and children. The evidence proves that women experiencing homelessness are confronted with higher rates of crime, violence and abuse. 

Sustainable housing solutions are essential to support vulnerable women and children. A place to call ‘home’ provides a safe, healthy, and happy environment for them to thrive across all social determinants and areas of life.

We are deeply appreciative of the Women’s Refuge for providing us with this data and for the invaluable work they do for women around Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Data source: Women’s Refuge, Number of referrals to Women’s Refuge since 2017