Kick out the cowards: DV attackers to be booted from their homes

A safety scheme enabling domestic violence victims to stay in their own homes by fortifying their properties — while forcing their attackers to find their own place to live — will be rolled out across NSW.

Lyndy Bokeyar and Debbie Brown honour their niece Molly Ticehurst, who was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend, with a Mother’s Day walk around Lake Forbes. Picture: Dane Millerd

A safety scheme enabling domestic violence victims to stay in their own homes by fortifying their properties — while forcing their attackers to find their own place to live — will be rolled out across NSW.

The government program will use police to remove the perpetrator — flipping the traditional script where victims are forced to flee

In bid to end the domestic and family violence scourge, The Saturday Telegraph can reveal the Minns government is ramping up the “staying home, leaving violence” program as part of a $230 million package.

The scheme, which also enables victims to access planning assistance and help to navigate complex legal processes, empowers victims by putting the onus on the perpetrator to find accommodation instead of forcing the woman to find shelter.

To ensure victims are safe, the scheme offers safety planning and security upgrades of the home.

Victim Molly Ticehurst. Picture: GoFundMe

The community of Forbes walk in honour of Molly.

The expansion follows Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) data showing more than 95 per cent of domestic violence services have reported a spike in demand in the past year, with victims waiting two months on average to access critical support.

Premier Chris Minns, who first flagged the scheme after the murder of Molly Ticehurst last year – allegedly by her former partner – said 37 new local government areas would be given access to the program under a $48m rollout.

“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own home, but all too often for many that is not the case,” he said. “When that right has been taken away from someone, this program is about supporting them in feeling safe in their homes again, or alternative, safe accommodation.

“Too many lives have been lost and too many families have been broken because of domestic and family violence. It is a blight in our communities, and it is a problem that deserves our government’s concerted ­attention.”

The Minns government has signed contracts with 12 new providers to deliver statewide coverage of the scheme in areas such as the Northern Beaches, north shore and inner west as well as regional areas such as the Snowy Mountains, Gunnedah and Narrabri.

Front cover on Molly Ticehurst’s death on April 23, 2024.

Front cover on Molly Ticehurst’s death on April 24, 2024.

Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Minister Jodie Harrison said people should not be forced to abandon their homes and community connections to escape a violent situation.

“Too often victim-survivors of domestic and family violence are forced to leave their homes in order to escape abuse,” she said.

Molly Ticehurst was found dead in her home in Forbes in April last year.

The 28-year-old childcare worker’s ex-partner Daniel Billings, 29, has been charged with 17 offences including murder and breaching an apprehended violence order.

He will face court later this year.

Originally published as Kick out the cowards: DV attackers to be booted from their homes