Family and Domestic Violence Services
Providing safety and services for victim-survivors and their families
Family and domestic violence is a continued pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour directed at a partner or family member. It is a serious and ongoing crisis that seriously threatens the health, wellbeing and lives of thousands of Australians, every day.
On average, one woman is killed in Australia every eight days by a current or former partner.
An estimated 3.8 million people (20 per cent) aged 18 years and over have experienced violence (physical and/or sexual) by an intimate partner or family member since the age of 15.
(ABS Census, 2021)
At The Salvation Army, we acknowledge the strength and resilience of all people impacted by family and domestic violence – including adult and child-survivors, their families and friends.
We believe every person has the right to be safe, empowered and free from violence, and we draw upon lived experience to shape our responses.
Impact at scale
In 2025, nationally The Salvation Army’s Family and Domestic Violence services:
Assisted almost 12,500 adults and children impacted by violence – a 7% year on year increase
Provided over 125,000 nights of safe accommodation and refuge to those impacted by violence
Delivered more than 116,000 sessions of care to people impacted by violence
Violence can affect anyone
While family and domestic violence can affect anyone, women and children experience it at far greater rates.
- 1 in 4 women (27%) experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member*
- Approximately 1 in 8 (13% or 2.6 million) adults witnessed violence towards a parent by a partner before the age of 15.
- Some groups experience violence at very high rates including Torres Strait Islander women and children, the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disabilities. These groups also face additional barriers when seeking safety and support.
- Domestic violence is the biggest cause of homelessness for women and their children in Australia.
*ABS Personal Safety Survey 2021/22
The Salvation Army is committed to providing domestic violence support and services that are inclusive to people of all genders, ages, people living with a disability, and people from LGBTIQA+ and diverse cultural backgrounds.
Comprehensive support for lasting change
The Salvation Army provides a range of specialist services to help victim-survivors find safety and support, delivered by trauma informed, child safe and compassionate practitioners.
Our nation-wide services include:
- 15 refuges
- Children and parenting programs
- Men’s behaviour change programs
- Orange Door and intake services
- Counselling
- Specialist children’s workers
- Crisis, emergency, transitional and long-term housing
- Security and safety upgrade programs
- Family violence packages
- Referrals to specialist services
- Safe house for victims of human trafficking and modern slavery
Measuring what matters
Our National Family Violence Stream services team measures service effectiveness through a National Outcomes Framework. We collect quantitative and qualitative evidence, including first-hand accounts, assess and improve service delivery, and ensure our Model of Care remains aligned with evolving needs and best practice.
Our model of care
A person-centred, outcomes-focused approach
The Salvation Army’s National Family Violence Model of Care guides how we support people in every state and territory. It ensures individuals, families and children receive the right care, at the right time, by the right team, and in the right place.
Our approach is person-centred and child-centred – placing the individual at the heart of every decision. Each care plan is built around personal needs and goals, fostering resilience, motivation, trust and self-empowerment.
The purpose of the National Family Violence Model of Care (the model of care) is to drive consistent best practice responses to family violence and help individuals and families move toward long-term stability and recovery.
The model of care is based on current best practice, guidelines, and lived experience, and is continuously refined through reflective practice and ongoing evaluation to ensure the highest quality of care.
Real stories, real urgency
“I’m a single mother who was in a [domestic violence] situation. I’ve had to restart over again, which put me in financial hardship. I’m in more debt now than ever. Every day is a struggle – mentally, financially and emotionally.”
– Victim-survivor, Family and Domestic Violence, Queensland
Get in touch
Together, we can end family and domestic violence
Supporting The Salvation Army ensures we can fund comprehensive family and domestic violence programs, and build pathways to safety, healing, and recovery for thousands of individuals and families.
Your support not only empowers families and individuals, but it strengthens communities, reduces pressure on public services and helps prevent trauma for future generations.
Join us in creating a future where no one in Australia faces the devastating impacts of domestic violence.
Partner with The Salvation Army and make a lasting difference.
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