Australia domestic and family violence response

Recent reports and research in Australia have highlighted systemic gaps in addressing domestic and family violence, particularly regarding prevention and specialized support for children. A national report noted that two in five children experience violence, yet services remain ‘adult-centric’ and often fail to meet the specific trauma and recovery needs of young victim-survivors. This report identified significant barriers for First Nations children, those in remote areas, and LGBTQI+ youth, calling for 20 specific government actions.

Further research from No to Violence emphasized a lack of investment in prevention, noting that while intimate partner violence costs Australia more than $28 billion annually, fewer than two per cent of men who use physical or sexual violence receive behavioral change interventions.

In response to these challenges, the New South Wales government has announced a $40 million boost over four years for the ‘Staying Home Leaving Violence’ program. This funding aims to assist women and children through safety planning and legal assistance, as part of a broader $184.1 million increase for specialist services in the state's 2026-27 Budget.