Domestic Violence NSW calls for urgent funding to combat crisis

domestic violence

Domestic Violence NSW has the lowest funding despite the highest deaths and requests for a 50% increase to prevent further tragedies.

Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in New South Wales, is urging the government to take immediate action to address the escalating crisis. With 78 women murdered due to gender-based violence in Australia in 2024, NSW recording the highest number (25) for the ninth time in eleven years, DVNSW is calling for a 50% increase in baseline funding ($163 million).

“Each life lost represents a failure of our systems to protect and support those at risk,” says Delia Donovan, CEO of DVNSW. “We’re simply asking for the sector to be resourced to do the lifesaving work they do.”

The alarming statistics are compounded by NSW having the lowest per capita spending on domestic and family violence services in Australia, allocating just $39 per person in 2022-23 compared to the national average of $53. This funding gap has resulted in a significant disparity between supply and demand for specialist services. Neesha Eckersley from Women’s Community Shelters, a DVNSW member, reported a rise in unaccommodated clients from 60% in 2022-23 to a staggering 96% in 2023-24, forcing women to choose between homelessness and abuse.

While acknowledging the government’s previous emergency package of $230 million, DVNSW emphasises the need for sustained and increased investment. “Ending violence costs money, but not investing is costing lives,” says Donovan.

DVNSW’s pre-budget submission outlines key funding requests:

  • A 50% increase in baseline funding to meet the surging demand for specialist services.
  • $12 million to provide culturally and religiously appropriate support for domestic violence survivors from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
  • $50 million for ongoing funding to expand specialist programs across NSW.
  • $62 million for primary prevention initiatives to address the root causes of domestic violence.

With 1 in 4 women experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime and NSW police attending a domestic violence call every 2 minutes, DVNSW underscores the urgency for a comprehensive and well-funded response to this critical social issue.

Also read: Alarming rise in domestic violence deaths for women in Australia

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Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.

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