A government plan to allow victims of domestic violence to withdraw up to $10,000 from their super accounts has been welcomed by some support services, but others fear it could lead to homelessness.
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Beyond Housing chief executive Celia Adams said the largest growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness were women over 55 and allowing family violence victims, the majority of whom are women, to drain their super accounts would only exacerbate the issue.
"We know the primary reason women and children in the country become homeless is family violence," she said. "My question is how is accessing your own super, which may then place you in poverty later in life, a fair response to someone who is a victim of violence? Why is it their job [to pay]?
"It's placing the responsibility on victims."
Ms Adams said women already have a disproportionately low amount of superannuation as they are more likely to take time off to raise children or work part time.
Data from Women in Super indicates on average women retire with 47 per cent less super than men.
Uniting Care Vic and Tas gambling and financial counselling team leader Kaily Goodsell agrees there are concerns that come with dipping into super, but overall supports the scheme.
"If it's going to help them escape from domestic violence, absolutely I support it," she said. "There are concerns but we have to look at these things on a case-by-case scenario.
"If you're a woman, or any person experiencing domestic violence, and that's a way to get out of an unsafe situation then I believe it's worth it. Safety now so they can have a life later.
"We know some victims of domestic violence end up in a terrible, terrible situation.
"If they can escape they can start rebuilding their lives so they can have a much better quality of life down the track."
Ms Adams believes government supports like JobSeeker should be increased to a more sustainable level so individuals leaving violent situations can afford accommodation and other expenses without having to dip into their superannuation.
She said despite the government agreeing to increase the base rate of JobSeeker by $3.57 a day, it was still far too little money to live on, especially with the coronavirus supplement due to end entirely at the end of March.
"People ask 'if you're experiencing violence why don't you just go?' but my question to them is 'and go where?'," she said. "With the decrease to the [JobSeeker] supplement and the increase cost of housing, there are women and children remaining in unsafe situations because they have no where to go."