$40 Million Budget Funding Boost for Staying Home Leaving Violence Program

The NSW Government is rolling out the first funding increase from its $184.1 million investment in specialist domestic and family violence services, with more than $40 million allocated to strengthen the Staying Home Leaving Violence program.

All 52 Staying Home Leaving Violence services across NSW will receive a 50 per cent increase in core funding over the next four years, with the first funding uplift to be paid during the current financial year.

The program helps women and children experiencing domestic and family violence remain safely in their own homes and communities where possible, rather than being forced to leave because of violence.

Support includes safety planning, home security upgrades, case management, assistance for children and help navigating legal processes.

Last financial year, Staying Home Leaving Violence services supported more than 9,200 victim-survivors across NSW, including 2,399 children who had experienced abuse.

The latest funding follows the NSW Government’s earlier expansion of the program across all 128 local government areas. An additional $25.9 million announced in the 2024–25 Budget funded 15 new services to address gaps in regional and metropolitan areas.

A 2022 independent evaluation found the program improved long-term safety and housing stability for women and families and supported better wellbeing outcomes for women and children affected by domestic and family violence.

The funding forms part of the NSW Government’s broader $184.1 million investment to increase core funding by 50 per cent across six frontline domestic and family violence programs over four years.

The other programs receiving funding uplifts include Safer Pathway, Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services, Specialist Workers for Children and Young People, Men’s Behaviour Change Programs and the Domestic Violence Response Enhancement program.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the additional funding would help frontline services respond to growing demand while providing more stable support for victim-survivors.

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.