If you need a safe place to stay because of family violence and staying with a friend or family members in not an option, there are several refuges and shelters across Tasmania that are specifically designed to keep you and your children safe.
Family Violence Rapid Rehousing Program
Your first point of contact should be Housing Connect : 1800 800 588 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) who can help find you accommodation immediately and can refer you to the Family Violence Rapid Rehousing program.
This program provides transitional accommodation with leases up to 12 months in the private rental market at subsidised rent. It is available for
- Families and individuals who are leaving a violent relationship
- People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to family violence
- Perpetrators who need alternative housing so the family can remain in the family home (generally when a police order or court order is in place)
- Applicants must be 16 years or older and able to live independently.
The program includes support to help plan for long-term housing solutions and connections to appropriate therapeutic care if needed through Housing Connect. Housing Connect with consult with you about longer term solutions which may include
moving into social housing (if eligible, with priority status), finding alternative affordable private rental or taking over the lease directly with the property owner/agent (if this is a positive and sustainable outcome.)
Refuges
There are a number of refuges in Tasmania. However, the number of people seeking emergency accommodation in Tasmania is far greater than the supply so accommodation may not be available when you need it.
If you secure a place in a refuge, the length of your stay varies with each refuge and your circumstances.
They offer:
- Safe, secure, and private accommodation
- Staff support (many have 24/7 coverage)
- Help with safety planning
- Assistance finding longer-term housing
- Referrals to legal services, counselling, financial support, and other services you might need
- Programs and activities for children
These services are generally free and your location will be kept confidential for your safety. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call – the staff can help you work through your options.
Many refuges can accommodate children, including male children (usually up to age 16 but this can vary).
If one refuge is full, they may be able to help connect you with another service.
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Refuge staff helped by:
I realised there is no shame in telling others about being abused. He still has his secret, it is no longer mine to keep. Deb T, Tasmanian victim survivor, author, activist |
FOR WOMEN
Southern Tasmania (Hobart Area)
Hobart Women’s Shelter
Phone: 03 6273 8455 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday)
- Staffed 24/7 for emergencies, with secure facilities including security cameras and duress systems
- Support includes help finding longer-term housing, legal assistance, mental health referrals, and programs for both women and children
McCombe House (The Salvation Army)
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/locations/tasmania/social-support-services/domestic-violence/
- Provides support including safety planning, advocacy, help accessing financial grants, and referrals to other services
- Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
You need to be referred by:
- Safe at Home: 1800 633 937 (24/7)
- Tasmania Police
- a family violence service
Jireh House
https://www.jirehhouse.org.au/
Phone: 03 6232 3850
Accommodation for women and women with children
Northern Tasmania (Launceston Area)
Magnolia Place (Launceston Women’s Shelter)
Phone: 03 6344 5322
Email: magnolia@lws.org.au
- Provides short-term crisis accommodation for women and children escaping family violence
- Support workers provide practical and emotional support, advocacy and information and referrals.
- Focuses on safety, respect, inclusion, compassion, and confidentiality
North West Tasmania
North West Tasmania Women’s Shelter
Phone: 03 6425 1382
Email: office@nwtws.org.au
- A specialist therapeutic crisis accommodation service staffed 24/7
- Offers short-term emergency accommodation for women and children escaping family violence
- Accepts children up to age 16
- Has offsite accommodation for single women and women with children who are homeless
- Provides supportive case management to help you re-establish yourself in the community
- Works collaboratively with other service providers
Oakleigh House Family Shelter (Salvation Army, Burnie)
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/locations/tasmania/t034/oakleigh-accommodation-services/
Phone: 03 6430 4100
- Crisis and transitional accommodation for single men and women aged 21 and over, and families
- Focused on pathways out of homelessness and safety for people experiencing family violence
FOR MEN
Bethlehem House (Hobart – for single men over 20)
https://bethlehemhouse.org.au/
Phone: (03) 6234 4594
- a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society (Tasmania)
- A 24-hour service to provide men in crisis and/or experiencing homelessness with shelter and support.
- Staffed by qualified and experienced staff 24hr a day.
Marram Place (North-West Tasmania)
Phone Housing Connect: 1800 800 588
https://catholiccaretas.org.au/news/marram-place-providing-care-and-ongoing-wellbeing-for-men
- Operated by Catholic Care Tasmania and staffed 24/7.
- Shelter for men, including an option for fathers with children and pets
- Emergency accommodation with support services
Oakleigh Accommodation Service (Salvation Army, Burnie)
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/locations/tasmania/t034/oakleigh-accommodation-services/
Phone: 03 6430 4100
- Crisis and transitional accommodation for single men and women aged 21 and over, and families
- Focused on pathways out of homelessness and safety for people experiencing family violence
FOR YOUTH
We have included services for youth here as family and domestic violence is one of the major factors contributing to youth homelessness in Tasmania.
Nearly six-in-ten (58%) of unaccompanied children receiving Specialist Homelessness Services in Tasmania had one or more of three selected vulnerabilities: mental health issues, family and domestic violence, and problematic drug and/or alcohol use.(TasCOSS)
Tasmania is experiencing a severe youth homelessness crisis:
- As of March 2025, 538 young people aged 15-24 were clients of Specialist Homelessness Services in Tasmania
- In August 2025, 1,140 young people were on the social housing waiting list as primary applicants.
Your first point of contact should be Housing Connect : 1800 800 588 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Contact Homebase
Phone: 1800 955 700
Visit: 76 Goulburn Street, Hobart Tas 7000
Email: info@homebasetas.org.au
- 24-hour supported accommodation is for young women aged 13-20 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless and need temporary accommodation.
- Provides support to help you build your skills, connect with the community, and find a long-term home accommodation, whether it’s reuniting with family or helping you find your own place.
Contact Homebase
Phone: 1800 955 700
Visit: 76 Goulburn Street, Hobart Tas 7000
Email: info@homebasetas.org.au
- safe space that offers short-term, emergency accommodation for young people aged 12-15 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
- mixed-gendered service.
- Provides support to help you work towards a safe accommodation outcome, connection with community and other supports.
- Youth at Risk Centre
AK Young Women’s Emergency Accommodation (Southern Tasmania)
Contact Catholic Care
Phone: (03) 6272 7751 or 0418 134 221, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
- safe space that offers short-term, emergency accommodation for up to six weeks, for young women aged 13-20 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
- No or low cost (approx. $70 a week)
- Provides support to plan a safe future and achieve a suitable accommodation outcome
Karinya Youth Services (Northen Tasmania)
Contact: (03) 6331 0774 Email from website
- safe space that offers short-term, emergency accommodation for up to six weeks, for young women aged 13-20 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
- Also provides accommodation for young pregnant women and young parents aged 15-19
- No or low cost (approx. $100 a week for those with an income)
- Provides support to develop essential life and living skills that enable a pathway to independent living.
Youthcare (Southern Tasmania)
Contact: (03) 6273 9215
- 24-hour, 7-day emergency accommodation for young men aged 13-20, with intensive support from Key Development Coaches.
- Run by Anglicare
Youth Futures (Northern Tasmania)
Contact: Crisis accommodation enquiries 24/7 (03) 6331 6622 or email shelter@youthfutures.org.au
- Short-term, 24/7 staffed accommodation in a safe, supportive environment for young men aged 13-20,
- No or low cost (approx. $100 a week for those with an income)
- Young men receive meals, emotional support, and one-on-one case management to help them stabilise, reconnect, and plan for what’s next.
Youth Family Community Connections North West Coast and West Coast of Tasmania)
Contact: (03) 6423 6635 Email: yfcc@yfcc.com.au
- Short-term, 24/7 staffed crisis accommodation in a safe, supportive environment for young men, women and gender diverse people aged 13-20,
- Located in Devonport, Burnie and Cooee.
- If you have an income there is a weekly Board payment.
- Assistance with living skills.
- Information about, and referral to, other services.
- Assistance with maintaining or accessing education, training and employment.
Youth2Independence (Y2I) Program
Contact Housing Connect: 1800 800 588
- Transitional housing for young men women and gender diverse youth aged 16-24.
- Provide support to become independent by participating in education and training. Young people complete a TAFE Certificate I in Developing Independence
- Locations include Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie.