The NSW Government has promised a 50 per cent increase in funding for six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs in the state’s budget delivered this week.
The $184.1 million investment has been welcomed by services across the state, and comes after the Federal Budget failed to deliver any meaningful funding support for frontline services.
The lift in funding comes following years of advocacy work by groups like Domestic Violence NSW and its members.
But given it’s been more than a decade since the previous increase to core funding services, it’s an announcement that is well overdue.
Further announcements in the Budget included funding to establish an Independent Victims of Crime Commissioner.
While the Commissioner was announced last year, this funding secures the office’s launch in the next financial year. This commissioner will oversee the Chart of Victims’ Rights, requiring agencies to produce special reports for the NSW parliament, conduct analysis of systemic issues faced by victims of crime and make recommendations to the Attorney. It will also address alleged breaches of the charter.
No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper has welcomed the funding lift today, crediting Domestic Violence NSW for their advocacy efforts, as well as Mininster for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison.
Ripper said the announcement supports the sector to strengthen the services that respond to violence and support recovery, including ensuring people who use violence can access support and accountability needed to change. “The safest home is a home where violence never begins,” he said.
The $184.1 million for the six frontline programs includes:
- $76.1 million for the Safer Pathway program, providing coordinated support for victim-survivors across NSW.
- $54.0 million for the Staying Home Leaving Violence program and the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services program to help women and children remain safely in their homes after violence, and provide intensive case management for high-risk families.
- $19.3 million for Men’s Behaviour Change programs, to reduce and prevent violent and abusive behaviour.
- $17.5 million for the Domestic Violence Response Enhancement program, providing after-hours assistance to people experiencing domestic and family violence.
- $17.2 million for Specialist Workers for Children and Young People, providing trauma-informed support for children and young people escaping violence.