Homelessness and domestic and family violence in Queensland mining communities: The experiences of women and families accessing safe and affordable housing

Abstract

Increasingly scholars across the world are developing sophisticated approaches to understanding the impacts of homelessness and domestic and family violence (DFV) for women and women headed families. This paper reports on qualitative research undertaken in Queensland mining communities about the experiences of women and their families who have experienced homelessness due to family breakdown or DFV. This paper presents a subset of data from a larger study with a specific focus on an analysis of five women's experiences, including some data from interviews with homelessness service providers and community representatives. This research provides a regional and rural frame of reference for understanding structural factors affecting women and families experience of homelessness and domestic and family violence. The paper concludes with a discussion of two key recommendations. These are (1) Improving access to safe and affordable housing for women and families in mining communities and (2) strengthening social planning to address women's safety and housing needs in these communities.