Australia domestic violence: Research calls for prevention while NSW boosts survivor funding

New research from the organization No to Violence highlights a significant gap in how domestic and family violence is addressed in Australia. The report, based on expertise from 150 practitioners, argues that billions are spent on responding to violence after damage has occurred, while very little is invested in services designed to prevent violence by engaging men. The study found that intimate partner violence costs more than $28 billion annually in Australia, yet fewer than two per cent of men who use physical or sexual violence receive behavioral change interventions.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the New South Wales government has announced a $40 million boost over four years for the ‘Staying Home Leaving Violence’ program. This funding will provide a 50 per cent increase in core funding for 52 providers to help women and children remain safely in their homes through safety planning, security upgrades, and legal assistance. This initiative is part of a larger $184.1 million increase for specialist domestic and family violence services included in the NSW 2026-27 Budget.