A new digital service designed to keep victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence safe and informed is being trialled in New South Wales.
DV Notify sends real-time text and email alerts to victim-survivors when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody. Notifications begin at the point of arrest and continue through key court milestones, including sentencing, giving victim-survivors timely information to support informed safety decisions.
The 12-month pilot will run across three police districts: Liverpool, Manning–Great Lakes and Orana–Mid Western.
Messages will be sent to victim-survivors aged over 18, who have experienced domestic and family violence-related offences, including sexual assault that happened within the context of domestic violence.
NSW Police and local domestic violence services in these areas have been trained to support people to use the tool and provide support if they receive a notification.
The service has been jointly funded by the Federal and NSW Governments, with $3.9 million invested in its design, build and pilot. A further $8.9 million has been allocated in the 2025–26 NSW Budget to expand the system over the next two years.
DV Notify has been co-designed with victim-survivors to ensure it is trauma-informed, culturally respectful and accessible. Notifications are available in 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Italian and Vietnamese. Users will also be able to connect directly with local crisis services for legal help, safety planning and emergency accommodation. They will also be able to opt out of messages if they wish.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said the pilot responds to a long-recognised gap in safety systems.
“Many victim-survivors are living in a state of constant uncertainty and fear, not knowing when their alleged perpetrator will be released,” she said.
“This new digital service will allow them to know in real time and plan for their safety with more confidence.”
Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre CEO, Elise Phillips, said the initiative represents a meaningful shift in how systems respond to risk.
“These notifications give victim-survivors crucial information so they can make decisions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” she said.
“This system has been built with the voices of lived experience at its core and shaped through a trauma-informed lens. We are excited to see the scheme roll out across NSW after the pilot.”
The pilot will undergo a full evaluation after 12 months.
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is a place for women to heal and rebuild their lives if they have or are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
Our range of services supports women in living secure and independent lives.