The state government has launched its first primary prevention strategy to combat sexual, domestic and family violence. 

The NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028 is meant to tackle the drivers behind family and domestic violence. 

“This framework will be the foundation of our efforts to not just respond to violence once it has occurred, but to stop it before it starts," NSW Premier Chris Minns said. 

Local initiatives stand front and centre when tackling domestic violence, Deputy CEO of Domestic Violence NSW Elise Phillips said

"Prevention in regional and rural areas looks like community-led educational initiatives that advocate for respectful relationships and challenge harmful community attitude." 

Domestic Violence NSW was one of the 200 organisations that worked in consultation with the NSW government to develop the prevention strategy. 

The priorities of the strategy are progressing prevention in priority settings, supporting Aboriginal-led prevention, and providing centralised support to prevention efforts across the state. 

"We recommended they prioritise efforts led by local communities to shift attitudes and discourage violent behaviour before they start," Ms Phillips said. 

"We also stressed the need to focus on a whole-of-government approach and Aboriginal-led prevention efforts."

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said that early intervention is one of the most efficient ways to nip family and domestic violence in the bud before it progresses.

"When you teach a child respect and resilience at an early age and build their self-esteem, it becomes a part of the fabric of who they are. They grow up knowing what healthy, respectful, and equal relationships look like."

Ms Phillips said that although the strategy is a good start, there are still aspects that need assessment.

"Of course, our journey to ending domestic and family violence is made of many small steps so there will be follow-up action required, like the $62 million in funding required to deliver this plan."

Nevertheless, the collaborative approach and delivery of this strategy is certainly cause for hope."

The Minns Labor Government estimates the implementation of the strategy will cost $38.3 million.

“We have a long road ahead of us to catch up to where we should be in terms of a comprehensive statewide approach to primary prevention, but not doing this work is simply not an option, the stakes are far too high," Premier Minns said.