Friends with Dignity

Leaving Violence Shouldn't Mean Losing Everything

When adults and children leave domestic and family violence, they often leave with little more than the clothes they are wearing.

Behind every person who escapes violence is a story of courage. But what is less often discussed is what comes next. For many, reaching safety is only the beginning.

A new home may be secured, but it is often empty. Furniture, household items, treasured belongings and financial security are frequently left behind. The challenge of leaving violence is quickly followed by the challenge of starting again.

Family and domestic violence remains one of Australia’s leading causes of homelessness. In 2024–25, around 117,000 people accessing Specialist Homelessness Services had experienced family and domestic violence.

While support services play a critical role in helping people escape unsafe situations, many individuals and families face significant barriers as they begin rebuilding their lives.

A safe home is more than four walls. It is a bed to sleep in. A table to gather around. A place where children can feel secure. A space where healing can begin. That is where Friends with Dignity steps in.

Creating Homes, Not Just Houses

Through our Sanctuary Program, volunteers, donors and supporters come together to transform empty properties into welcoming homes for adults and children rebuilding after domestic and family violence.

Every Sanctuary is thoughtfully furnished with essential household items, helping remove some of the financial and emotional burden that comes with starting over.

So far this year, Friends with Dignity has:

Established 41 Sanctuary homes
Supported 48 adults and 89 children through those homes
Responded to 109 requests for assistance
Supported 121 adults and 228 children through our programs

Since inception, we have established more than 1,000 Sanctuaries across Australia. Behind every number is a person, a family and a fresh start.

The Impact of a Sanctuary

One recipient described the experience of receiving support through the Sanctuary Program:

"As someone who was at rock bottom with no hope of ever picking myself up, I now feel hope for the future. My little sanctuary has made me, and the children feel safe and this means I can start to heal and help the children to do so too."

Anonymous

Another shared:

"If it was not for them (FwD), I would have nothing. He (ex-partner) always said no one cares about me but in the past week I have cried tears of joy because I can't believe that this happened to me and that there are people that care. First time in years I have been able to get some decent sleep."

Anonymous

These stories remind us that practical support can have a profound impact. A bed. A couch. School shoes. Utility assistance. Household essentials. These are not luxuries. They are the building blocks of stability, dignity and hope.

How You Can Help

Every donation helps provide practical support to adults and children rebuilding after domestic and family violence.

Whether it’s helping furnish a Sanctuary, responding to an urgent request or providing everyday essentials, your support helps transform empty spaces into homes and uncertainty into hope.

As we approach the end of the financial year, we invite you to stand alongside the thousands of Australians who have helped families rebuild their lives with dignity.

Because leaving violence shouldn’t mean losing everything.

Your Donation’s Impact:

$20 can provide emergency toiletries or clothing
$50 can provide new shoes for a child
$108 can help cover utility bills while someone rebuilds their independence
$250 can help fund urgent home repairs
$300 can provide essential bedding and household items
$500 can help cover costs associated with establishing a safe home

Friends with Dignity

Leaving Violence Shouldn't Mean Losing Everything

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