10 December 2025
No to Violence welcomes the NSW Government’s Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence, describing it as a landmark opportunity to address the estimated one million men in NSW who have used domestic and family violence in their lifetime and the $7.82 billion annual cost this crisis imposes on the state. The Strategy establishes a long-overdue foundation for change, but its impact will depend on sustained resourcing to meet the scale of demand.
No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper said the Strategy arrives at a critical moment. “By placing people who use violence at the centre of this response, the NSW Government is showing leadership and a clear commitment to prevention,” Mr Ripper said. “It’s an encouraging direction that strengthens national momentum and signals the kind of coordinated action needed across every state and territory.”
Domestic and family violence continues to place enormous pressure on child protection, healthcare and social services. The Strategy signals a major shift in NSW’s approach by acknowledging that policing and justice responses alone cannot stem this demand. Its emphasis on early intervention, behaviour change and coordinated systems reflects a clear understanding that unless men’s use of violence is directly addressed, pressure across courts, hospitals and child protection will continue to escalate.
Biljana Milosevic, Director of Jannawi Family Services, welcomed the Strategy’s direction and reach. “Broadening the interventions provided to men, such as whole-of-family work, not only supports accountability and meaningful change, but it will also lead to greater safety for women and children,” Ms Milosevic said.
Delivering the Strategy at scale, however, will require sustained investment. Based on its analysis of system gaps, workforce capacity and demand pressures, No to Violence estimates at least $224 million over four years is required for initial implementation. Mr Ripper said that NSW has a rare opportunity to build the system it needs. “NSW now has the chance to shape a system that genuinely meets the scale of the challenge. With strong investment and coordinated delivery, this Strategy can strengthen early intervention, reduce repeated harm and support safer futures for families across the state.”
