Two NSW pilot programs are to be expanded to support victim-survivors of domestic violence (DV).
Premier Chris Minns announced that $7.5 million had been allocated to two pilots to a ensure specialist DV support worker was available at every local courthouse that heard domestic violence matters and to embed specialist support workers within selected police stations.
Mr Minns said the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) and NSW Police Force Co-location Pilot were being extended for 12 months and expanded to five more locations following a successful trial.
“The pilot commenced in late October 2022 at five locations (Kogarah, Fairfield, Griffith, Armidale and Nowra Police Stations),” Mr Minns said.
“The initiative aims to improve the experience of victim-survivors who attend police stations, increase the number of victim-survivors who report to police, and streamline their access to safety and support,” he said.
“NSW Police will work in consultation with Legal Aid NSW and other Government Agencies to determine the new locations for the additional five sites.”
Mr Minns said the funding would also ensure a similar program – placing WDVCAS workers at local courts to provide support during court matters – continued and expanded statewide.
He said the initial one-year pilot, due to conclude at the end of October, would be extended for a further 12 months.
“From 1 November this year, the Hearing Support Pilot will also operate across every court in the state that hears domestic violence matters,” the Premier said.
“The initial pilot operated at 73 courts,” he said.
“This expansion will ensure support workers are available at a further 61 courts.”
Mr Minns said Hearing Support Workers assisted victim-survivors in situations where an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order was contested in court, and in matters related to domestic and family violence criminal charges.
