06 May 2024
The NSW Government’s announcement of $230 million, over four years, is a positive and substantial first step forward for the state. The NSW Government has listened to the calls of the frontline specialist domestic and family violence sector and provided a broad response to better address the complexities of gendered violence.
“This is a comprehensive investment for the domestic and family violence sector. We’re glad to see the NSW Government respond to our advocacy and recognise the critical need for investing in the sector to address the domestic and family violence emergency in our state,” Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) notes.
The emergency response recognises the complexities of domestic and family violence and takes a multifaceted approach which includes supporting the sector now, investing in improved systems and justice responses, investing in primary prevention, early-intervention and research.
Of particular note was the expansion of the Staying Home Leaving Violence program, which allows victim-survivors the option of remaining in their home, or a safe home of their choice. The emergency package has enabled this program to expand from 91 locations to across all 128 NSW local government areas, including regional and rural areas, with estimates showing an additional 4,200 women per year will be able to access this support.
The announcement also considers the importance of specialist support for children and young people as an essential element of early intervention – improving psychological wellbeing and helping to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
“The recognition of children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right has been a key area of advocacy for us. We are exceptionally pleased to see an injection of $48.2 million to continue specialist workers for children and young people which previously only had short-term funding and to expand the workers across more refuges.
“We are eager to continue to work with the NSW Government to ensure that meaningful investment into the sector remains a priority and includes continued investment,” Ms Donovan said.
Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women in Australia, therefore, investment in housing and homelessness services is a vital part of the emergency response. We eagerly await further budget announcements from the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, The Hon. Rose Jackson.
DVNSW has called for an additional $54 million per annum for existing domestic and family violence refuges to ensure that no victim-survivors are turned away. DVNSW has also asked the NSW Government to build an additional 7500 social and affordable homes each year for 20 years, to ensure safe and affordable homes for victim-survivors who have escaped domestic and family violence. Also, 750 more transitional homes are immediately required to provide an exit pathway out of crisis refuges for women, children and young people who have experienced domestic and family violence.