Janet Jukes OAM

Refuge Victoria is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides refuge and support to people who are experiencing homelessness from the impacts of family violence. We provide refuge and crisis accommodation along with a range of supports to enhance our client’s safety and wellbeing and work with them to achieve their goals towards a safer and better life. Refuge Victoria is primarily funded by the Victorian Government. We operate 3 refuge facilities and 15 crisis properties situated throughout Victoria and our partnerships provide nomination rights to a further 35 transitional homes. Between 2012 and 2014, the refuges known as Maroondah Halfway House, Brenda House, and Robinson House came together, along with the clients from the Woorarra refuge, to form Safe Futures Foundation. In 2021 Safe Futures Foundation changed its name to Refuge Victoria to better reflect the nature of the organisation’s core purpose and service. We now have 60 staff and manage three refuge facilities consisting of 18 standalone units, 15 crisis properties and have nomination rights over 35 transitional homes.