Eight new units have been set up in an undisclosed location in Adelaide to help women and children escape domestic violence.
South Australia is the first state to get new upgraded facilities, with other states set to follow suit.
It is a part of $20 million federal government program to upgrade domestic violence services across the nation.
The Adelaide facility, operated by the Salvation Army, will accommodate approximately 40 people, with on average one adult and four children per property.
Salvation Army general manager of family violence Lorrinda Hamilton said the facility was in high demand.
"We are almost half full and we've only been open for two weeks," she said.
"We are expected to be fully occupied within the next week.
"These facilities are critical. The demand for family violence responses outstrips the supply of refuge accommodation.
"It is one of the leading causes of homelessness."
The site includes recreational facilities and outdoor play areas for children, but in a high-security setting.
Ms Hamiliton said it was important the location was kept secret.
"It is imperative that we operate in non-disclosed locations, and that's particularly important when we are working with high-risk family violence, particularly women who might be an imminent risk of death," she said.
"The majority of people using this facility are from South Australia but there are some women who will be fleeing from interstate who will use this facility."
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the federal government fund was "about supporting women and children who are escaping family and domestic violence".
"Every 10 days, one woman is killed by their former or current partner," she said.
"This is a really big problem, family and domestic violence in this country."
