More than $40 million will flow to services helping women and children stay safely in their own homes while escaping domestic and family violence, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $184.1 million funding boost for the specialist sector.
The funding will lift the core budget of all 52 Staying Home Leaving Violence services across New South Wales by 50 per cent over the next four years, with the first uplift to be paid this financial year.
The program helps victim-survivors remain in their homes, when it is safe to do so, rather than having to leave because of violence. It provides safety planning, security upgrades, case management, and help navigating legal processes, working alongside NSW Police and local courts.
Last financial year the program supported more than 9,200 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, including 2,399 children who had experienced abuse.
The funding follows the 2024-25 Budget expansion of the program to all 128 local government areas in New South Wales, when an additional $25.9 million funded 15 new services to close access gaps in regional and some metropolitan areas.
Five other specialist domestic and family violence programs will also receive a 50 per cent funding uplift over four years under the 2026-27 Budget, including the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service, Safer Pathways, Specialist Workers for Children and Young People, Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, and the Domestic Violence Response Enhancement program.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the funding aimed to stabilise a sector under pressure.
“The Minns Labor Government is working to stabilise the frontline domestic and family violence sector so that it has the capability to meet growing demand, and victim-survivors can access timely life-saving support when they need it,” Minister Harrison said.
“The Staying Home Leaving Violence program is a vital part of our crisis response, allowing women and children to stay safely in their own homes, close to their support networks.”
Domestic Violence NSW chief executive Delia Donovan welcomed the investment.
“This is a vital and welcome investment in specialist domestic and family violence services, and recognition of the critical role Staying Home Leaving Violence plays in supporting women and children to remain connected to their homes, schools, workplaces and communities where it is safe to do so,” Ms Donovan said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463, or contact 1800RESPECT for confidential advice and referrals.
If you need help or are upset by this story, please seek support.
- 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- 13Yarn 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Headspace on 1800 650 890