Domestic and family violence specialist workers provide crucial and often life-changing support to victim-survivors, but too often, they are left without the resources necessary to support the work they do.
In New South Wales, the Minns government is launching its workforce development strategy for the domestic and family violence sector, laying the foundation for long-term reform to support recruitment and retention in the sector.
The strategy, backed by $2.5 million in the 2025/26 NSW Budget, includes actions such as prioritising workplace safety, health and wellbeing, improving workforce recruitment and renewal, driving workforce diversity, boosting collaboration and supporting skill and capability development.
“Eliminating domestic and family violence is a priority for the NSW Government, and we need to do everything we can to support the workforce that is committed to achieving this goal,” Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said.
“This is long-term work that has been neglected and that the sector has been crying out for.
“Domestic and family violence specialist frontline workers who provide vital support for victim-survivors of abusive relationships are passionate about their work, have deep empathy for the people they work with, and are committed to ending domestic and family violence.”
Harrison says the strategy is a “first step” that sets out a 10-year roadmap to create a more robust and supported workforce that can attract new people.
“A strong and connected workforce will continue to respond to and create safety for families escaping violence,” Harrison said.
Dilini De Silva, a Casework Lead at The Adira Centre, says practitioners in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector need to be supported with the same dignity and recognition they offer victim-survivors.
“The new Strategy provides critical opportunities to build, enable and sustain a domestic, family and sexual violence workforce that reflects the diversity of the NSW community and is supported with the skills, knowledge and resources to provide culturally responsive care to improve equity of access and outcomes for all,” De Silva said on Thurdsday.
The government says the strategy has been developed after consultation with over 100 organisations. These include Domestic Violence NSW, Women’s Legal Services, No to Violence, and the Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network.
Carolyn Hodge, Acting CEO Domestic Violence NSW, said: “The specialist domestic and family violence workforce delivers complex, life-saving support to victim-survivors across NSW every day.
“This strategy is an important opportunity to strengthen and expand this essential workforce, delivering better outcomes for people, families, and communities.
“In implementing this strategy, we’ll be looking to ensure it’s backed by the sustained funding and resourcing needed to meet its objectives and ultimately enhance NSW’s response to ending domestic and family violence.”
The strategy comes as domestic violence organisation in New South Wales say more funding is urgently needed to fund frontline services and keep victim-survivors safe. As previously reported, Domestic Violence NSW saw a 94 per cent increase in demand for services between May 2024 to May 2025, compared to the years prior.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin says it has the potential to offer meaningful support.
“The specialist sector in NSW has incredible expertise and commitment, but many workers are overstretched and burdened by stress, burnout and vicarious trauma,” she said.
“This new workforce strategy has the potential to offer meaningful support to these vital frontline workers and better protect their health and welfare, while also improving their training and career opportunities and increasing pathways into the sector.”
Feature image: Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN/