It’s hoped expanded critical support services for regional and rural families escaping domestic and family violence will make a safer New South Wales for regional women and children.

More than 1,000 additional women and children will have access to case management for the whole family with the expansion of the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS) to six new locations, including one in Warrumbungle Shire.

Core to the IDFVS is a whole-of-family case management approach, working with adult and child victim-survivors and the person using violence, with the focus on maximising family safety.

Case managers work with victim-survivors to assess their risk and provide support, which can include safety planning, developing a personalised safety plan or connecting them with other services.

They also address children’s needs and offer information and referrals to Men’s Behaviour Change Programs or other support services for the person using violence.

As part of the 2024–25 $230 million domestic violence emergency package, the NSW Government has invested $13.7 million over four years to close service gaps in regional and rural areas.

The funding will help deliver vital, local support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

The six new providers and their regions are:

• • Pathfinders in New England, covering Inverell and Glen Innes LGAs

• • Wandiyali in the Hunter, covering Maitland and Cessnock LGAs

• • Mission Australia in Murrumbidgee, covering Hilltops and Cootamundra-Gundagai LGAs

• • Rekindling the Spirit in Northern NSW, covering Richmond Valley, Lismore and Kyogle LGAs

• • Maaruma-Li in Western NSW, covering Warrumbungle LGA

• • Mirrimpilyi Muurpa-nara in Far West NSW, covering Broken Hill and Central Darling LGAs

In 2024–25, IDFVS supported more than 1,700 people, including over 300 children from high-risk groups and communities who experienced violence and abuse at home.

This included victim-survivors from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as those living with disability or social disadvantage.

There are currently 11 existing IDFVS providers across 14 LGAs in NSW, with the total now growing to 17 services after the expansion.

Minister welcomes expansion

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the expansion would help ensure that support was available for more regional people.

“The NSW Government is continuing to deliver ongoing, holistic domestic and family violence services for victim-survivors across the state – no matter their postcode,” Ms Harrison said.

Expanded critical support services for regional and rural families escaping domestic and family violence will soon be available in Warrumbungle Shire, through Maaruma-Li.

“We know communities in regional and rural areas experience higher rates of family violence and barriers to accessing vital support services.

"That’s why we’re expanding programs and services like the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service to regions where there is high need.”

She said the program’s goal was to help both those escaping abuse and those remaining in relationships where safety could be improved.

“This program supports victim-survivors and their children who have escaped abuse, as well as those who decide to remain in their relationship, with the goal of increasing safety and reducing risk.

"We’re continuing to work with stakeholders, victim-survivors and the sector to create a safer state for all women and children that is free from violence.”

Support across Western NSW

The Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services (IDFVS) program takes a flexible, place-based approach, recognising that domestic and family violence is complex and cannot be solved by one

agency alone.

In Western NSW, services are available in Walgett, Coonamble, Brewarrina, Warrumbungle, Bogan and Warren LGAs.

Local residents can contact 02 6829 4352 or 02 6828 3570 for information and referrals.

The Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program also operates in the region to help victim-survivors remain safely in their homes.

The program works with NSW Police to remove the perpetrator so families can stay in place rather than face homelessness or relocation.

Support includes safety planning, improving home security, financial help, children’s support and assistance with legal processes.

Support services

If you are worried about your own behaviour, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

In immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For confidential advice and referrals, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63, 1800 RESPECT, or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.