Evil In Our Homes: Push for more domestic violence funding in NSW

With 35 murders due to domestic violence so far this year in NSW, advocates say it’s time to get serious about funding. Read the latest in our Evil In Your Home campaign.

Exclusive: With 35 murders due to domestic violence so far this year in NSW, police receiving a call for help every four minutes and children making up 18 per cent of domestic violence murder victims, advocates say it’s time to get serious about funding.

Domestic Violence NSW is urging the government to inject an extra $176.35 million into the sector — less than what the government spends on one sports stadium.

“We need to ask our government: When is the cost of domestic violence too much and how much is safety worth?” CEO Delia Donovan said.

Despite the stark difference in size and population, the NSW government spent $262.7 million on DV services in the 2022-2023 budget, compared with $613 million spent by Victoria.

“If the NSW government were to try and close that funding gap per capita they would need to increase funding by $500 million a year but this 2023 budget we are not asking for even half of that,” Ms Donovan said.

Requested funding would go towards running programs supporting women experiencing DV, court advocacy, groups to change perpetrators’ behaviour, and frontline service. Picture: iStock

“We are asking for $20 million in order to fund sexual, domestic and family violence prevention activities in our communities,” she said.

“We are asking for this because if we want to stop violence, we need to address where it starts.”

The requested $10 million includes $10 million to ensure every frontline service has a child specialist to support the children of those navigating domestic violence.

“We are asking for this because our future generations are already living with the long term effects of domestic violence.”

Ms Donovan said $145 million was also needed for frontlines of domestic violence.

That would help meet the demand of a series of programs, including running the staying home leaving violence program in 43 locations, 27 women’s domestic violence court advocacy services and 17 men’s behaviour change groups.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Minister Jodie Harrison said domestic and family violence is a “pervasive scourge” on NSW and as a state we must take meaningful action.

“Every single one of us bears a responsibility to end domestic violence,” she said.

“However, while we all have a responsibility to end domestic and family violence, those of us who have been elected to serve our communities hold an even greater responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless and to lead change.

“This crisis is bigger than politics and we must reach across party lines to create a safer NSW.”

She said every portfolio and department in NSW must work together on this issue.

“Domestic and Family Violence is not just a Women’s issue. It is a health issue. It is an education issue. It is a Treasury issue, a multiculturalism issue, a housing issue. It is even a planning issue.

“Across government we are working with stakeholders to figure out how we can improve the way we approach the root causes of DFV — and what we need to do better to change the attitudes and behaviours that see it keep happening.”
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