Cost of living emergency forcing women to stay in unsafe relationships and vulnerable Australians into homelessness
24 June 2026
Salvos call for kindness this End of Financial Year
New Salvation Army research shows the hidden human toll of the current financial crisis, with 30% of women surveyed saying they stayed in or delayed leaving an unsafe relationship because they could not afford to leave, while one in six (16%) had couch surfed or lived in their car in the past year.
As pressure on households intensifies, the research points to a growing deficit of kindness across the country. The Salvos surveyed over 4,400 Australians seeking emergency relief support and found three in five (65%) were losing sleep over their financial situation and more than half (54%) felt society doesn’t care about the financial situation they are facing.
“The Salvos are calling on Aussies to be the hope in people’s lives and help support those doing it tough across the nation. Our research shows that the cost of living isn’t just impacting people’s back pocket, but also their mental and physical health, and this shouldn’t be happening in a lucky country like Australia,” said Major Bruce Harmer from The Salvation Army.
One community member who had received support from the Salvos said, “I had never asked for any assistance before, as I was always self-dependent and have always relied on myself. As my sickness has progressed, my life has changed so much, and so have my needs. The Sallys were so kind to me. I wasn’t judged, belittled, or anything else you feel in that situation. Kind, kind, kind, and nothing but gratitude and respect for The Salvation Army.”
The cost-of-living impacts extends beyond one’s mental health, with 1 in 4 respondents saying that they relied on hospital emergency departments instead of visiting a GP because of the cost, and 38% of renters surveyed revealing they were worried about losing their home and becoming homeless.
“The Salvos are aiming to raise $41 million before June 30 to ensure we can continue providing support to Aussies doing it tough. This support is extremely practical and comes in the form of a safe bed to sleep in, support with food or utilities, someone walking alongside you in your time of need, a listening ear, and so much more. But we cannot do this without the support of the Australian public. So please, if you can, donate to the Red Shield Appeal this End of Financial Year,” added Major Harmer.
Across Australia last year, through The Salvation Army’s network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services, the Salvos provided:*
- Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
- More than 1.74 million sessions of care to over 228,000 people in need
- Over 1 million nights of safe accommodation
- More than 1.4 million meals to those who accessed our homelessness services.
To make a tax-deductible donation to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.