05 March 2025
- A new NSW Government report shows that 1 in 2 people in NSW are now aware of coercive control
- 40% of domestic violence services surveyed reported a rise in victim-survivors accessing support for coercive control
Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in the state, is calling on the NSW Government for an immediate 50% ($163 million) increase in baseline funding to address the escalating domestic and family violence crisis.
While the success of the government’s coercive control awareness campaign is welcomed, data collected from DVNSW members shows that increased awareness of coercive control has translated into a significant rise in victim-survivors seeking support for this form of abuse. An immediate 50% baseline funding increase for all specialist domestic and family violence services in NSW is critical to keep up with demand.
“The NSW government has said it’s considering our ask for a 50% increase to baseline funding – something we’ve heard from a sitting state government for several years now. When we have a member telling us they’re turning away five families a day in a regional area – protecting the lives of women and children can no longer be just a consideration,” Ms Donovan said.
Coercive control has been strongly linked to intimate partner homicide, with the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team finding that in 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicides in NSW between 2000 and 2018 were preceded by the perpetrator using coercive and controlling behaviours, such as emotional and psychological abuse, towards the victim.
“The connection between coercive control and homicide is alarming. It’s unfathomable that we’re still having to beg and plead for this 50% baseline increase. The NSW Government must address this crisis in the upcoming budget. Every day without action costs lives,” Ms Donovan said.
NSW continues to have one of the lowest per-capita spends on domestic violence in Australia. DVNSW, on behalf of the approximately 200 specialist domestic and family violence services it represents, is calling on the NSW government to move beyond last year’s first step Emergency Package and invest in the sector saving lives.
“Ending violence costs money, but not investing is costing lives,” Donovan added, “we urge the NSW Government to act decisively and provide the necessary funding to support the services that are saving lives every day.”