NSW’s New Family Violence Prevention Initiative to be Led by Childcare Centres, Workplaces, and Schools

The New South Wales (NSW) government has formulated a new strategy to address family violence by focusing on its underlying causes. This innovative approach will engage childcare centers, workplaces, and sports clubs to actively prevent violence and establish safer environments for women and children.

Scheduled for launch on Sept. 13, a key component of the initiative involves respectful relationship educators partnering with schools throughout the state to deliver age-appropriate, evidence-based education on fostering healthy relationships.

In addition, an $8.8 million initiative will expand the current early childhood “all-in” pilot program, empowering childcare providers and families to challenge gender stereotypes that contribute to gender-based violence.

Highlighting the significance of early education in shaping future behaviors, NSW Education Minister Prue Car stressed, “Teaching young individuals about resilience, respect, and safety in relationships during their formative years has a lasting impact on their development.”

The inaugural Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence report disclosed that 43 women were killed by their partners in the financial year up to June 30.

The report presented in Parliament on Aug. 21 also indicated an 11 percent increase in sexual violence over the year.

Premier Chris Minns underscored the urgency of the state’s first primary prevention strategy, which aims to protect lives from being shattered by violence.

“This framework not only addresses violence after it occurs but prevents it from happening in the first place,” stated Minns.

In collaboration with over 200 individuals and organizations, including Domestic Violence NSW, Aboriginal representatives, and Our Watch, the strategy was developed.

On Sept. 7, the National Cabinet announced a $4.7 billion package spread over the next five years to prevent domestic violence nationwide. The federal government has also agreed to a new national partnership on family, domestic, and sexual violence with states and territories.

The federal government will offer $351 million, which will be matched by state and territory counterparts.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized, “A nationally coordinated approach is necessary to address this national crisis.”

“These dreadful deaths and repugnant violence must be prevented,” he added.

Earlier in May, the NSW Government allocated $230 million over four years as part of an emergency package to enhance support for domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) victim-survivors and expand programs aimed at reducing violence against women and children.

Several severe domestic violence incidents, including a widely publicized stabbing in Bondi Junction, have drawn increased attention to the issue in the past six months.

AAP contributed to this article.