The state government will provide $230 million over four years on an emergency package of measures to combat domestic violence and support victims.
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The package includes $45 million to improve bail laws and justice system responses, and follows a community outcry after the alleged murder of 28-year-old mother Molly Ticehurst by her former partner.
The details of the bail law reform have not yet been released.
"In the coming weeks we will confirm and announce the details of $45 million to improve bail laws and justice system responses, ensuring we are reviewing domestic violence supports and systems from every angle," Attorney-General Michael Daley said.
"NSW needs a coordinated approach across multiple fronts to disrupt domestic violence - that is what this suite of funding initiatives is designed to achieve."
The State Opposition will seek its own bail law legislation to parliament this week.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said on Sunday the private member's bill included expanding the use of electronic monitoring devices, expanding he grounds for stopping the release of alleged offenders pending review of the decision to grant the person bail and removing the power for registrars to determine bail for serious personal violence charges where bail is opposed.
The government package was announced on Monday by Premier Chris Minns, Mr Daley and other ministers with relevant responsibilities.
The measures include:
Crisis Response
- $48m to roll out the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program state-wide and to expand the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS).
- The Staying Home Leaving Violence program helps women and their children to remain safe in their homes after leaving a violent relationship. In 2022, a formal evaluation from the Gendered Violence Research Network at the University of NSW found this program effectively contributes to the long-term safety and housing stability of women and children who have left a violent and abusive relationship.
- The Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service provides important case management helping people to navigate the services of government agencies and non-government organisations. This can include coordinating across police, courts, healthcare, child protection workers, housing providers and women's refuges. The program works with both victim-survivors who have left a relationship and those who remain, focusing on maximising safety for this group of women and their children.
- The Staying Home Leaving Violence program helps women and their children to remain safe in their homes after leaving a violent relationship. In 2022, a formal evaluation from the Gendered Violence Research Network at the University of NSW found this program effectively contributes to the long-term safety and housing stability of women and children who have left a violent and abusive relationship.
- The Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service provides important case management helping people to navigate the services of government agencies and non-government organisations. This can include coordinating across police, courts, healthcare, child protection workers, housing providers and women's refuges. The program works with both victim-survivors who have left a relationship and those who remain, focusing on maximising safety for this group of women and their children.
Improving the Justice System for Victims
- $45 million has been set aside to improve bail laws and justice system responses to domestic violence with measures to be announced in coming weeks.
- Nearly $24 million for specialist DV support workers within the justice system.
- $2 million over four years to support the Domestic Violence Death Review Team and its work to deliver robust research around risks factors, trends and impact of service delivery.
- $2.1 million over two years to improve and continue the Corrective Services program EQUIPS Domestic and Family Violence, delivered to offenders in custody and under supervision in the community to prevent reoffending.
Early Intervention
- $48 million to secure and increase funding for workers who support children accompanying their mothers to refuges. These specialist workers support them, including with education and mental health measures.
- Support of $700,000 for the NSW Domestic Violence Line (DV line).
Primary Prevention
- $38 million for the implementation of NSW's first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy. The Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2027 will develop a range of initiatives to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence.
- $8.1 million over four years for the 'All in' early childhood pilot, to prevent domestic violence by teaching young children about healthy relationships.
Strengthening the Sector
- $5 million for workforce training on the implementation of a newly developed risk assessment framework, and quality standards.
- $3.6 million to expand Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), which is the peak body for specialist services in New South Wales.
Research
- $5m in funding for research into perpetrators and effective interventions.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, please call the toll-free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support on 1800RESPECT or visit 1800respect.org.au.
Murray Trembath
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news. Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au
