When you think of homelessness, you often think about the down and outs, drug users and the alcoholics. But, according to US figures, some 12 percent of people who live in sheltered accommodation are women who have been victims of domestic violence.
With the current attention on stopping domestic violence, it is opportune to look at some of the effects of domestic violence that do not often get an airing in the news.
One third of women who suffer domestic violence end up homeless. They flee abusive conditions, often with practically nothing to their name…no money, no job and often no skills. They have nothing but are desperate. Often they have tried to flee several times but with the lack of places to go, the ability to fend for themselves with no income and no home makes it incredibly difficult.
And it is not only women. US statistics tell us that 1/3 of all children and young adults who seek aid finding shelter are victims of domestic violence. In parts of Australia, figures suggest that the situation is much worse for some women and for some families.
Homelessness includes overcrowded accommodation, and informal living arrangements such as couch surfing and living in vehicles. But the reality of homelessness is that women often find it difficult to get jobs or to find suitable proper and affordable accommodation. They can become trapped in their situation and it is very difficult to get out.
BeefBank can make a difference to the lives of these people. By providing meat protein, usually beef, to the agencies that assist the homeless, the poor and the needy in Queensland, we help to provide and supplement a sustainable and valuable diet to those whose circumstances, often through no fault of their own, would otherwise have denied them his basic necessity.
BeefBank is proudly run by the Rotary Club of Brisbane Centenary. 100% of all donations going to the purchase and production of meals for the homeless and those in need. We work through Foodbank Qld to ensure the charities and non-profits on the front line of tackling this issue get the support they need. For more information visit us at www.beefbank.org or follow us on Facebook to see how we have helped provide over 300,000 meals to those most in need.