The cost of delivering domestic and family violence services in regional, rural and remote communities is up to 8.94 times higher than cities.
That’s according to a new report from Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), the peak body for approximately 200 specialist domestic and family violence services.
The report, Ending Violence in Regional and Remote NSW, has also found that without additional funding to meet the higher costs these communities face, victim-survivors outside major Australian cities face unacceptable levels of risk.
With significantly higher rates of domestic and family violence, regional and remote areas of NSW experience domestic and family violence at incident rates of 7.45 times more than major cities.
These higher rates stem from deeply rooted structural inequalities, including limited infrastructure, crisis accommodation and safe housing options, which mean many victim-survivors are forced to remain with perpetrators. Limited transport options, digital isolation and a lack of safe courtrooms also make it harder to seek help.
Regional service providers are often operating several times above their funded capacity to meet unprecedented levels of demand.
One regional DVRE service cited in the report was funded to support 28 clients but assisted 255, which is more than 800 per cent over capacity. Another is funded to provide support to 32 clients and has supported 328, making it 925 per cent over capacity.
On average, DVRE services across regional NSW that responded to DVNSW’s survey are operating at 310 per cent over capacity, amid workforce shortages and retention issues.
Taking action
DVNSW has called on the NSW Government to commit to a 50 per cent increase in core funding for all specialist domestic and family violence services, with a supplementary payment for regional and remote services to recognise the additional costs and demand drivers related to service delivery have in these locations.
“Without immediate action, the combination of higher service delivery costs, limited crisis accommodation and workforce shortages will continue to expose women and children to harm,” said the CEO of DVNSW, Delia Donovan.
“Specialist domestic and family violence services are also forced to operate beyond safe limits to try and meet demand – this means potential burnout and victim-survivors being turned away,” she said.
The report draws on months of sector consultation, including a statewide Regional Forum in Armidale attended by more than 70 frontline workers, and service visits in Dubbo, Walgett, Nyngan, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Lithgow, Taree and Port Macquarie during the 16 Days of Activism.
Lived experiences highlighted within the report include stories of frontline workers going above and beyond their job description to protect women and children.
Providing tents when no housing was available, paying for emergency vouchers out of their own pockets and supporting waitlisted clients with ongoing safety planning were some of the experiences shared.
In response to the findings, DVNSW has given 12 recommendations within the report to directly target the challenges rural and regional communities are facing.
The recommendations include investing in place-based models that value local leadership, partnerships and cultural knowledge, as well as increased housing options and more accessible justice infrastructure.
Looking at workforce issues, the report calls for affordable housing for the domestic and family violence workforce, improved retention strategies, sustainable remuneration and funded career pathways, particularly for Aboriginal, multicultural and lived experience workers.
In 2024, 79 women were killed by violence, which is the highest count in nine years, according to Counting Dead Women Australia 2024.
NSW recorded 25 deaths, which is the highest number of gender-based murders in the country. The state has also recorded the highest murder toll nine times in the past eleven years.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
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