Domestic Violence NSW

In October 2023, the NSW Government expanded its Rentstart Bond Loan scheme. This has provided 204 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence access to a loan of up to 100% of their rental bond, helping them secure a stable home. While it’s a step in the right direction, an estimated 7,690 women annually are forced to return to perpetrators because they have nowhere affordable to live. It’s clear there is more work to be done to provide pathways to safety, stability and recovery. If women experiencing DFV are priced out of the private rental market, a bond loan will only go so far. We need to see continued investment in initiatives that keep pace with NSW’s rapidly changing rental market, so we can create meaningful and sustainable support for victim-survivors facing homelessness. You can read our recommendations to reform the homelessness service system in NSW here: https://lnkd.in/g2brkpPp

With our fellow members of the National Alliance of Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, Embolden calls on all parties to commit to supporting workers on the frontlines of the domestic and family violence crisis. Thank you to Domestic Violence NSW for providing communications support.

"I've met women from all walks of life through my work, each with their own unique life story...A lot of them are trying to move on, but their court matter has them stuck in the past until it's finalised. It's not an easy scale to balance. These women are more than just statistics, they are mothers, daughters, sisters and aunties. They mean something." A personal and insightful article by Kellie Scott featuring Erin Hunt - thank you for sharing your experiences and more broadly the work of a Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Hearing Support Worker. https://lnkd.in/grsBzBfc

As a member of the National Alliance of Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, we’re urging parties to commit to supporting workers on the frontlines of the domestic and family violence crisis. Thank you to Alliance member Domestic Violence NSW for their comms support.

Looking forward to it!

The lives of women and their children are at risk, as new research finds women’s refuges in NSW are struggling to afford the cost of supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence on temporary visas. Our new data reveals that 38 women’s refuges spent approximately $320,000 collectively over a three-month period to support women on temporary visas. However, they receive no funding support from the NSW government to do so – adding immense strain to an already overwhelmed sector. Read the full media release at https://ow.ly/4ulY50Vrcm3

Today we released cutting-edge new data, uncovering a dark reality that leaves women and children’s lives at risk.   Our new research report, ‘Breaking Barriers: Improving access to refuge accommodation for women on temporary visas in NSW’, surveyed 38 women’s refuges in NSW and found over a three-month period, 195 women on temporary visas accompanied by 112 children – including 36 Australian children – sought refuge from domestic violence.   In total, the refuges spent approximately $320,000 to support these victim-survivors over three months, receiving no government funding support to do so. This adds immense strain to an already overwhelmed sector, who must rely on community fundraising and philanthropic donations to deliver life-saving support.    We are calling on the NSW government to commit $12 million over two years for a pilot program that will provide essential and culturally appropriate support to victim-survivors in women's refuges and migrant and refugee specialist services. This funding would help ensure women and children receive the right support the first time they seek help, so they don’t return to violence.   You can read the full report at https://lnkd.in/gDP9yQRx

The NSW Government has announced its next wave of rental reforms, including ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions. This means owners will now be required to provide a valid reason to end all lease types. Last year we attended a hearing, where we told the NSW Government what these changes would mean for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. Our view is that ending no-grounds evictions will help people experiencing DFV to feel more secure asking their landlords for the things they need to be safe – such as installing cameras or locks – without the fear of being evicted. We commend the Minns Labor Government for delivering these important reforms.

What is primary prevention? Primary prevention means stopping gender-based violence before it starts. It addresses the drivers of violence – the underlying social conditions and behaviours that allow gender-based violence to happen. Primary prevention occurs in many different settings and contexts across the country. That's why we want to showcase the prevention work happening in Australia. This week, we are partnering with Women with Disabilities Victoria to feature their Enabling Women Leadership Program. This amazing program supports women and gender diverse people with disabilities to see themselves as leaders. Together, we can shift attitudes, behaviours and systems that drive gender-based violence. Join the conversation and showcase your primary prevention work! #ThisIsPrevention [Video description: Amongst shots of group discussions and workshops, people working, and footage of the Enabling Graduation celebration, are people speaking to camera. Speakers in order are: Bridget Jolley (she/her) – Women’s Empowerment Officer - Youth and Leadership Programs, Women with Disabilities Victoria Julia Coscolluela (she/her) – former participant and now Youth and Leadership Programs Co-facilitator, Women with Disabilities Victoria Linda (she/her) – recent participant of the Program Footage of the Graduation celebration includes people gathering and making connections, as well as graduates making speeches and being presented with certificates. There is also a poster of a tree with handwritten strengths on purple leaves, and decorated plant pots Text at the start and end of the video has “This is Prevention” “People with disabilities”]