The Minns Government is spending $7.5 million to to expand help to victim-survivors of domestic violence.
The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and New South Wales Police Force Co-location Pilot are being extended for 12 months.
The Police Force C-location pilot commenced in late October 2022 at five locations including the Nowra Police Station.
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.
The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service pilot has been running at both the Nowra and Milton courthouses and will now be expanded to a further 61 courts.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said “Having a specialist WDVCAS worker at local courts provides victim-survivors access to on-site support when they need it.”
“This program can make an important difference for women in crisis,” Ms Harrison said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “These programs are working and they’re working well. I want to ensure they continue and expand to help more victim-survivors of domestic violence.”