Domestic and family violence - NSW Budget 2016-17

Summary

The NSW Government will invest more than $300 million on specialist domestic violence services and initiatives across NSW, up from $148.5 million in the 2015-16 Budget.

Key initiatives in the 2016-17 Budget include:

• $53 million for a statewide roll out of Safer Pathway, subject to the successful evaluation of pilot sites, which ensures high-risk victims receive a consistent and integrated multi agency response.
• $43 million for housing supports through Start Safely providing short to medium-term financial help for people escaping domestic and family violence who are at risk of homelessness
• $34 million for the Women’s Domestic Violence and Court Advocacy Program, and an additional $6.3 million to meet unmet demand to respond to police referrals. This investment will ensure victims and their families can continue to receive comprehensive support through the justice system
• $25 million for Staying Home Leaving Violence so women and children can stay safely in their own home or a home of their choice.
• $20 million for a Domestic and Family Violence Innovation Fund for prevention, early intervention and crisis responses that support the efforts of specialist domestic and family violence services and refuges.
• $15 million for NGO-led community based perpetrator interventions, including $8 million in new funding, to change behaviour
• $13 million for Victims Services to pilot new responses for male victims such as gay men, or fathers and sons suffering family violence, through expert NGO support.