Frontline domestic, family and sexual violence services will receive an extra $184.1 million over four years under a major NSW Government funding package.
The investment delivers a 50 per cent increase in funding to six frontline programs, including Safer Pathway, Staying Home Leaving Violence, Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services, Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, Domestic Violence Response Enhancement, and Specialist Workers for Children and Young People.
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has welcomed the announcement and the recognition that specialist domestic and family violence services are facing growing demand and increasing complexity.
“We know the profound impact domestic and family violence has on women, children and families, and we see the difference specialist support can make when people are able to access the right help at the right time,” CEO Elise Phillips said.
“This investment recognises that demand continues to grow and that frontline services need sustainable funding to respond effectively. It is a positive step that will strengthen important programs and support more women and children.”
For many victim-survivors, specialist services are the first point of support when making the difficult decision to leave violence. Increased investment in safety planning, counselling, case management and coordinated responses will strengthen the sector’s ability to respond when people most need help.
The announcement reflects years of advocacy from the domestic and family violence sector, which has consistently called for greater investment in specialist services and the workforce that supports victim-survivors.
While the funding is a positive and important step, significant challenges remain.
Domestic Violence NSW has noted that many specialist services, particularly women’s refuges, continue to face growing demand and funding pressures, and has called for further investment across the broader domestic and family violence sector.
NSW Domestic and Family Violence Funding Package:
- $76.1 million – Safer Pathway, including Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (WDVCAS) and Local Support Services.
- $54 million – Staying Home Leaving Violence and Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services.
- $19.3 million – Men’s Behaviour Change Programs.
- $17.5 million – Domestic Violence Response Enhancement Program.
- $17.2 million – Specialist Workers for Children and Young People Program.
- 4.75% pay increase for community sector workers delivering these services, with additional government funding expected to cover the increase.
Other NSW budget measures
$6 million for the Office of the Children’s Guardian to strengthen child safety protections.
$3 million to modernise court technology.
$8.5 million to establish an independent Victims of Crime Commissioner, providing a stronger voice for victims navigating the justice system.
$4.9 million to improve victim-survivor experiences in court, alongside justice system reforms. (From the domestic violence package announced separately.)
$9.5 million combined for court technology upgrades and improved video-link facilities, helping reduce delays and potentially making court processes less traumatic for vulnerable witnesses.