Government must invest in keeping victim-survivors safe as rates of domestic violence skyrocket in NSW

NCOSS, the peak body for social services in New South Wales, supports the call for the Minns Government to increase baseline funding for family and domestic violence services by 50 percent, as rates of violence surge by 15 percent across the state, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

The data, released today, shows a concerning increase in regional New South Wales, of up to 24 per cent in some areas in the two years to March 2025. Increases in family violence have also been recorded in Greater Sydney, with reports of violence against children up by 9.5 percent.

The data comes just a week after new research found that 1 in 3 Australian men admit to using intimate partner violence.

Last week, DVNSW called for a 50 per cent increase to baseline funding for domestic and family violence services in NSW, which are currently operating on outdated funding models, leaving some on the brink of breaking point.

NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said that investing in more resourcing for domestic and family violence services would not only provide victim survivors with the support they need, but ease the strain on other NSW social services, including those in homelessness, mental health, and addiction.

“Community services of all kinds, but particularly those on the front-line to address domestic and family violence, don’t have the time or resources to advocate for more funding,” said Ms Varian.

“Meanwhile, rates of domestic and family violence soar across the state. That means more women and children are fleeing dangerous situations and need to find refuge.

“It’s essential the services they encounter are resourced to provide victim-survivors with long-term safety and the opportunity to properly rehabilitate. This will only benefit other front-line services that support victim-survivors with other aspects of their recovery, like housing, employment and mental health support.

“That’s why we’re backing DVNSW's call on the New South Wales Government for a 50 per cent increase to baseline funding for domestic and family violence services in the state,” said Ms Varian.

Media contact: Maria Kelly (0432 049 034 / maria.kelly@essentialmedia.com.au)