Financial burden of unpaid rents, mortgages and loans due to domestic and family violence

Financial Burden Roundtables – Key Outcomes

In 2023, the South Australian Government held two roundtables with the finance and real estate sectors to find better ways to support women impacted by domestic and family violence (DFSV), especially those left with unpaid rents, mortgages or loans.

Achievements and Key Findings

Mortgages and Loans

The roundtable revealed that support from banks varies widely, causing confusion for victim-survivors. The move to digital banking made it harder for many to get help. Attendees agreed that clearer guidelines, better training for staff, and consistent approaches across the finance sector are needed. Banks were encouraged to provide educational resources on DFSV, improve staff training, and use technology to better detect financial abuse.

Rent and Housing

Victim-survivors often face rental debt due to damage or unpaid rent, making it difficult to secure new housing. Strict financial aid criteria and lack of training in the real estate industry also limit support. The roundtable recommended developing training for agents, offering references for affected tenants, and creating a central resource to help renters impacted by DFSV.

Continuing collaboration

These discussions brought together major banks, mortgage brokers, and the Real Estate Institute of SA, and highlighted a strong commitment to finding shared, long-term solutions. The SA Government and sector partners agreed to explore ways to raise awareness and continue collaboration to improve financial and housing support for victim-survivors.

Downloads

1-page summary - Financial burden roundtable - mortgages and loans (PDF 111.4 KB)

1-page summary - Financial burden roundtable -rent (PDF 113.8 KB)

Financial burden roundtable - Summary Report - Mortgages and Loans (PDF 747.4 KB)

Financial burden roundtable - Summary Report - Rent (PDF 788.8 KB)