23 June 2026
No to Violence has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to increase core funding for specialist domestic and family violence services, describing the 2026-27 Budget as a significant investment in the safety of women and children across New South Wales.
The Budget includes an additional $184.1 million over four years to increase funding for six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs by 50 per cent. The announcement follows years of advocacy by Domestic Violence NSW and its members, who have consistently highlighted the growing gap between demand for support and the resources available to meet it.
It also includes $19.3 million for men’s behaviour change programs and related interventions, recognising the critical role these services play in preventing violence and supporting lasting behaviour change. “Men’s Behaviour Change Programs play a vital role in stopping violence at the source,” No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper said.
After more than a decade without a core funding increase, the Budget measure is expected to provide relief to services that have been managing growing demand and workforce pressures across the state.
No to Violence also thanked Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison for her leadership in advancing the investment.
“Today’s Budget is a significant step forward for victim-survivors and the services that support them, and Domestic Violence NSW and its members deserve enormous credit for securing this outcome,” Mr Ripper said.
“Frontline workers have kept the system functioning despite years of increased demand. This investment will help more victim-survivors access support when they need it and strengthen the sector for the future.”
Across NSW, domestic and family violence continues to place significant pressure on communities and services. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies’ Ten to Men research, around one million men in the state have used domestic and family violence in their lifetime, highlighting the need for sustained investment not only in crisis responses, but also in prevention, early intervention and behaviour change.
Mr Ripper said the next priority should be implementing the NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence, released in December last year. The Strategy provides a framework for earlier intervention, behaviour change and coordinated responses designed to reduce harm and improve safety for women and children.
“Today’s announcement allows the sector to strengthen the services that respond to violence and support recovery,” Mr Ripper said. “We now have an opportunity to build on that foundation through the NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence, ensuring people who use violence can access the support and accountability needed to change.”
“We look forward to working with Minister Harrison and the NSW Government to continue improving safety for women and children. The safest home is a home where violence never begins.”
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Media Contact: Jo Nilsson
Media & Advocacy Advisor, No to Violence
communications@ntv.org.au | 0455666492
About No to Violence
No to Violence is the Australian peak body for organisations and individuals committed to ending men’s use of family violence. We support specialist men’s family violence services and operate the national Men’s Referral Service, a 24/7 telephone and online counselling and referral service to link men to the support they need to get on a pathway of change and end their use of family violence. We undertake research, training and advocacy and work with governments, employers and business to stop family violence at the source.
Please list the Men’s Referral Service with all Domestic, Sexual and Family Violence stories: The Men’s Referral Service provides counselling and referrals for men who are concerned about their behaviour: 1300 766 491
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