DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEADING CAUSE OF YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

Domestic and family violence is among the leading causes of youth homelessness in the Northern Rivers, according to outreach service Connecting Home.

Armed with the information, the organisation hit the streets of Lismore today to mark Youth Homelessness Matters Day and raise awareness about the issue.

“We found over 50 per cent of the young people that we work with have experienced family violence at home, or child abuse.”

Some of the organisation’s staff and clients were also present to share their firsthand experiences.

“Without these services I don’t know really where I would be; probably in a very unstable house.”

Connecting Home looks after 700 youth across the region.