By Anne RinaudoWednesday 27 Jun 2018Open House InterviewsSocial JusticeReading Time: 2 minutes
Listen: Stephen O’Doherty in conversation with Mission Australia’s Paul Molyneux
Thirty three year old Heather* and her eight-year-old son Lucas* are homeless. They fled the family home, not for the first time, to escape domestic violence at the hands of Heather’s husband Chris*.
Feeling sorry for Chris, not wanting to break up the family and with no other safe place to go, Heather and Lucas returned home – time and time again.
This true story forms the basis of this year’s campaign by Mission Australia to highlight the plight of Australia’s almost hidden population of homeless.
Last winter, Chris was more out of control than usual and Heather was concerned for Lucas’ and her safety. So she made the brave decision to leave. This time, Heather was prepared because she had been meeting with a domestic violence specialist from Mission Australia. Together they had developed a safety plan should they ever find themselves in danger again.
Domestic Violence & homelessness
Mission Australia’s Paul Molyneux told Open House “Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness in Australia.”
“More than 116,000 Australians are homeless on any given night, and for many it’s the only option when home is no longer a safe place to be.” he says
“The campaign highlights the difficulties and stress experienced by families escaping domestic violence and the importance of donating to support families in need this winter.” says Paul Molyneux.
Proven experience
Mission Australia is one of Australia’s largest not for profit organisations with more than 155 years of practical and proven experience in working with Australians in need. The organisation invests in housing, services and programs to reduce homelessness and strengthen communities, walking beside people and families until they can stand on their own.
Donate to the winter appeal here. The 30th fundraising Sleepout for Mission Australia is another way to support their great work.
*Names in the campaign have been changed to protect the identity of the people Mission Australia help.
To listen to the podcast of this conversation click the red play button at the top of the page, or you can subscribe to Open House podcasts in iTunes and they will appear in your feed.