Victim-survivors of sexual violence in the Shoalhaven will soon have access to a dedicated support worker based at Nowra Police Station, as part of a new NSW Government pilot program aimed at making the justice system easier to navigate.System Navigators will be rolled out across New South Wales under a two-year pilot program funded through a $4.36 million investment.
The specialist navigators will provide trauma-informed support to victim-survivors, helping them understand their rights, navigate police and court processes, and connect with legal and support services.
Four of the navigators will be co-located at NSW Police stations in Nowra, Fairfield, Belmont and Orange.
The initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s $6.2 million Strengthening Sexual Violence Justice Responses package, which also includes funding to expand legal advice services for sexual assault survivors through Legal Aid NSW and research into restorative justice models.
NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said the pilot was designed to improve the experience of victim-survivors seeking justice.
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the new navigators would provide compassionate support while helping victim-survivors access community organisations, legal services and government agencies throughout the criminal justice process.
The program will operate in a range of metropolitan, regional and rural locations across the state, with the Nowra position expected to provide an additional layer of support for victim-survivors in the Shoalhaven region.
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.
