Previously known as the Women’s Liberation Halfway House, YANA has been providing emergency accommodation and support for survivors of family violence since 1974.

After offering sanctuary for countless women and children, our original refuge building needs to be renovated so that it can continue to offer safety, dignity, and a fresh start for those who need it most.

We need your support to make this happen.

Liberation House is an iconic part of the women’s refuge movement in Victoria. It represents decades of resilience, strength, hope, and community. We are determined to restore it, and we need your help.

1. MAKE A DONATION

Every dollar counts. Make a one-off or monthly donation to join a movement towards change that is over fifty year’s old.

2. LEAD OR COORDINATE

Become a fundraising team captain: Recruit friends to fundraise together.

Host a community event: Plan a trivia night, film screening, or dinner party to raise funds and awareness.

Set up workplace giving: Encourage your workplace to match donations or set up payroll giving.

3. ADVOCATE, CONNECT, AND CHAMPION

Become a philanthropy connector: Introduce YANA to local businesses, grantmakers, or philanthropists who can sponsor major parts of the project.

Volunteer: Use professional skills in marketing, design, videography, or trades to support the project.

Get in touch by emailing jacqui@yanafvs.org.au.

PROJECT PARTNERS

1. Why do you need to renovate?

A recommendation from the 2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence stated that self-contained dwellings are required to provide the safety, privacy and dignity needed for survivors of family violence to recover and rebuild in refuge. As such, the original dormitory-style Liberation House needs to be updated into self-contained units.

Additionally, many decades of use as refuge accommodation has taken its toll, and the house needs some TLC to ensure that it is safe, secure, and accessible moving forward.

2. Where does the name Liberation House come from?

YANA was previously known as the Women’s Liberation Halfway House, and changed it’s name to YANA in 2024. The name Liberation House is a nod to the past, celebrating the many women who contributed to the organisation over the past five decades.

3. Where is Liberation House?

The house is located in Melbourne, Australia. Its exact location is confidential.

4. Does YANA currently operate at other locations?

Yes. Since it was formed in 1974, YANA has grown into a holistic family violence service providing crisis accomodation, outreach support, and advocacy. Learn more about YANA here.

5. Will Liberation House continue to support women and children escaping family violence?

Yes. Liberation House is a key part of our organisation’s history, as well as the broader refuge movement. We are determined that it will continue to provide safety for those who need it most for years to come.

6. How will the money be used?

We are very fortunate to be partnered with Architects Without Frontiers and JCB Architects, who are currently working on the design phase of the project. We need to raise funds for the actual renovation, which includes dividing the current house into self contained units with their own kitchens and living spaces.

7. Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes — donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

8. Can I meet you to discuss the project?

We’d love to hear from you. Reach out at jacqui@yanafvs.org.au to arrange a meeting.

In 2024 Women's Liberation Halfway House became YANA. This was a historic moment for the organisation, our feminism and for the communities we seek to serve. The change reflects the significant changes occurring in society and across the sector and takes us one step closer to being a more accessible, inclusive and diverse organisation.

YANA Family Violence Service (YANA) is a specialist service providing information, advocacy, and support for women and children at risk of or experiencing family violence. We do this with an integrated approach that includes counselling, financial planning and support, safe and crisis refuge accommodation, and pathways to meaningful employment or education.