Peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services, Domestic Violence NSW responds to Counting Dead Women Australia’s increased yearly cost of gendered violence to seven lives with their statement on 7 February 2024.  

Counting Dead Women Australia stated: 

“At about 5:50 pm emergency services were called to an address in Tweed Heads West after a request for a welfare check. On arrival, they found the body of a woman who is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged in her 60s. Police later found an unnamed 25-year-old man with injuries to his hands at a nearby business. He was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital under police guard for treatment. On discharge, he was charged with murder, taken into custody and refused bail. Nothing further has been reported at this time. http://tinyurl.com/y3rrvmxw NSW” 

Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW has responded to the recent tragedy highlighting that it was devasting to see another woman, Donna Baraket, killed in her home by someone known to her.  

“This is the seventh woman killed so far in 2024 in Australia.” 

Related: Domestic Violence NSW releases report on Policing of Domestic and Family Violence

“The domestic and family sector in NSW is buckling under the load as it tries to respond to increasing demand and complexity,” added Donavan.  

According to Donavan, DVNSW is calling on the NSW Government to increase funding for specialist sexual, domestic and family violence services in NSW by a minimum of 24% in the 24-25 budget.  

“Targeted investment is required to ensure that victim-survivors have access to safety and support when and where they need it.” 

Last year Counting Dead Women recorded 64 deaths due to gendered violence in Australia – with 17 of those deaths occurring in NSW. Despite NSW having the majority of deaths, the state’s investment in responding to domestic and family violence is less than half that of Victoria. 

“The Prime Minister recently re-affirmed his commitment to “true gender equality” however, we are waiting to see how Labor’s commitment translates to investment with this upcoming budget.” 

‘The number of lives saved will depend on the number invested by State and Federal governments this year,” added Donavan.  

Donavan stated that the NSW Government needs to invest $40 million to effectively implement the soon-to-be-released NSW Primary Prevention Strategy. 

“We need real investment if we want to see real change.”