$40 million budget funding boost for Staying Home Leaving Violence program

More than $40 million will be allocated to increase the capacity of services providing the Staying Home Leaving Violence program so they can support more women and children stay safely in their own homes, rather than having to leave when experiencing domestic and family violence.

All 52 Staying Home Leaving Violence services provided across New South Wales will receive a 50 per cent increase to their core funding over the next four years. The first funding uplift to each service's will be paid this financial year, strengthening capacity for providers sooner.

This historic funding boost follows the NSW Government's expansion of this crucial program to all 128 local government areas in New South Wales as part of the 2024/25 Budget. The additional $25.9 million funded 15 new services to close gaps in access in regional and some metro areas.

Last financial year, Staying Home Leaving Violence services supported more than 9,200 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, including 2,399 children who had experienced abuse. With this additional funding, it means even more women and children will have access to this critical service.

The Staying Home Leaving Violence program helps victim-survivors remain in their homes, when it is safe to do so, instead of having to leave because of violence. It provides practical support including safety planning, security upgrades, case management and help navigating legal processes.

In collaboration with NSW Police and local courts, it aims to increase family safety and stability, and provides a range of support such as safety planning, improving home security, support for children and help with the legal process.

A 2022 independent evaluation found the program effectively enhanced the long-term safety and housing stability of women and families, while also improving the wellbeing of women and children affected by domestic and family violence.

As part of the Minns Labor Government's 2026/27 Budget, five other specialist domestic and family violence programs will also receive a 50 per cent uplift over the next four years, including the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service, Safer Pathways, Specialist Workers for Children and Young People, Men's Behaviour Change Programs and Domestic Violence Response Enhancement program.

Funding uplift for the remaining programs will be rolled out progressively, with investment directed to where it is needed most of each program.

The Budget commitment will help stabilise the sector and is part of the Minns Labor Government's longer-term work to support victim-survivors, intervene earlier and stop violence before it starts.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

"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.

"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. This supports their healing and recovery as they rebuild their lives after violence.

"We know the domestic and family violence services have been under pressure, and this funding increase means services can support more people and continue providing the quality tailored support that victim-survivors need."

Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said:

"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.

"As the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services across the state, Domestic Violence NSW has consistently advocated alongside our members for greater investment in frontline services. It's encouraging to see the NSW Government responding to these calls and investing in the capacity of services to meet growing demand.

"As the broader investment is rolled out, it will be important to continue working closely with the sector and the NSW Government to ensure services have the resources they need, now and into the future, to meet demand and ensure the best possible outcomes for victim-survivors.

"We look forward to continuing to work constructively with NSW Government, our members and the broader sector to build on this investment and ensure sustainable support across the NSW domestic and family violence service system."

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For information on Men's Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.