Emergency $230 Million Package Introduced to Fight ‘Curse on Society’ of Domestic Violence

Key initiatives in a $230 million (US$152 million) domestic violence prevention and support package in New South Wales (NSW) include bail law reform, homelessness prevention programs, and increased support for victim-survivors.

Premier Chris Minns emphasizes the preventability of domestic violence and the importance of early intervention in breaking the cycle of abuse while unveiling the details of the four-year funding plan on May 6.

The emergency package was pledged following a meeting of the NSW cabinet with experts in the field to address the escalating violence against women across the nation.

A significant portion of the funding, over $73 million, will be allocated towards improving the NSW justice system to better support victims. This includes $45 million dedicated to enhancing bail laws and other systemic responses, with specific plans to be revealed in the upcoming weeks.

Additionally, $48 million will go towards expanding programs like the Staying Home Leaving Violence initiative to prevent homelessness and providing increased case management support through the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service. The same amount will fund additional specialist support workers for children, while $38 million will be utilized for implementing the state’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy focusing on the root causes of family violence.

Additionally, over $13 million will be allocated towards workforce training, expanding Domestic Violence NSW, and funding research on perpetrators.

However, the funding package does not include provisions for a state royal commission into family violence.

According to the NSW government, one quarter of Australian women and one in eight men have experienced violence from a family member or partner since the age of 15.

Mr. Minns stresses that family violence is a significant societal issue that demands a comprehensive response from the government.

He states, “Domestic, family, and sexual violence is preventable; we cannot accept the status quo. This funding announcement is an important step in doing better in recognizing the need for domestic violence support early on to disrupt the cycle permanently.”

Attorney-General Michael Daley will unveil the details of justice system reforms in the coming weeks as part of the review of domestic violence support systems.

Mr. Daley emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach across multiple fronts to disrupt domestic violence effectively.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman asserts the necessity for bail law reform to combat violence against women, calling for action to be taken promptly.

He made these statements before the details of the four-year funding plan were released, advocating for a holistic approach to addressing domestic violence.

If you are in need of support, you can contact the following helplines: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service (1800 211 028), Lifeline (13 11 14)