$20 MILLION FUNDING BOOST TO HELP VICTIM-SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

More victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence will receive critical support thanks to a $20 million funding boost announced by the NSW Government today.

The package announced today is part of the joint $140 million commitment from the NSW Government and Commonwealth under the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-23.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said this new funding will provide additional support to specialist front-line services across NSW, as well as trialling some innovative new programs.

“Over half of the funding is for services that directly assist victim-survivors, giving them the help they need to recover from their traumatic experiences and start a new chapter in their lives,” Mrs Ward said.

“One of the projects being funded is a trial to provide women with support and services so that they feel safe during court proceedings, which will ensure that more domestic and family violence matters proceed.

“A number of projects are focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal women, either through expanding existing programs and ensuring these communities have a seat at the table in the development of future policy.”

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth thanked service providers for the work they do in supporting victim-survivors and said more will be done to boost the frontline workforce and improve access to family, domestic and sexual violence services.

“In addition to the National Partnership with states and territories, the  Australian Government will generate 500 new jobs for frontline and community sector organisations to address staffing shortages in shelters and crisis support services,” Minister Rishworth said.

“This will mean better access to critical support services for victim-survivors, including in regional, rural and remote areas.

“One woman dies every ten days at the hands of her former or current partner. This is unacceptable and I’m committed to working with states and territories to end violence against women and children.”

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the funding will support a range of services to help those who need it most.

“This funding will not only support providers, it will enhance early intervention programs, provide access to vital services and improve workplace training,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

The NSW Government has a strong record of supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence, committing $687 million in the 2021/22 Budget and a further $100 million in the 2022/23 Budget, towards the prevention of domestic, sexual and family violence and improving women’s safety across the community.

The initiatives funded under tranche two of the National Partnership Agreement are available here.