New support services for domestic violence victims
The NSW State Government has expanded critical support services to regional and rural families escaping domestic and family violence.
As part of the 2024/25 $230 million domestic violence emergency package, the Government has invested $13.7 million over four years to expand the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS) to six new locations.
Four of the six new services are Aboriginal-led organisations, all located in areas where there are large Aboriginal communities and a high need for integrated domestic and family violence services for whole families.
They include:
- Wandiyali in Hunter covering Maitland and Cessnock LGAs
- Rekindling the Spirit in Northern covering Richmond Valley, Lismore, Kyogle LGAs
- Maaruma-Li in Western covering Warrumbungle LGA
- Mirrimpilyi Muurpa-nara in Far West covering Broken Hill and Central Darling LGAs
“Our investment into Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to run Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service means Aboriginal victim-survivors and their families have culturally appropriate supports to help them recover from abuse,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said.
“We’re working with ACCOs to build their capacity and capability because we know we get that better outcomes for Aboriginal victim-survivors when services are delivered by Aboriginal-led organisations.
“We’re working hard to make sure all women and children can live in a community that is free from violence.”
The focus on the family and children in the IDFVS program, as well as a holistic approach, has been found to be more effective and culturally responsive for Aboriginal communities.
In the 2024-25 financial year, IDFVS supported more than 1,700 people, including more than 300 children, in high-risk groups and communities, who experienced violence and abuse in their homes.
No services before expansion
They include victim-survivors from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those with disabilities or affected by social exclusion or disadvantage.
There are currently 11 existing IDFVS providers across 14 LGAs in New South Wales, taking the total to 17 services across 22 LGAs after the expansion.
There were no Aboriginal service providers delivering IDFVS before the expansion.
“On behalf of Rekindling the Spirit and the local communities of the Bundjalung Nation here in the Northern Rivers we would like to say thanks to the NSW State Government and DCJ for their confidence in awarding Rekindling the Spirit the IDVFS funding within our region,” CEO of Rekindling the Spirit Georgina Cohen said.
Ensuring safety for children
“Rekindling is invested in making a difference within our communities and with the individuals and families that work live and breathe on our country.
“We are also invested through our cultural lens to ensure safety, for our children, our women and our men within our community and see this as a high priority within our service from a wholistic cultural practice, healing of health and well-being with a clear focus of creating safety across these levels.”
The other providers in the expansion are Pathfinders in New England and Mission Australia in Murrumbidgee. Generalist IDFVS service providers continue to provide priority access to Aboriginal families and victim-survivors and ensure culturally-informed support is available in other areas.
More information about IDFVS is available: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/supporting-family-domestic-sexual-violence-services/dfv-programs-funding/integrated-domestic-and-family-violence-services-program.html
