Strategy launched to support domestic violence workers

THE NSW Government has launched a 10-year plan to strengthen the state’s domestic and family violence workforce.

The Strengthening the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Sector: Workforce Development Strategy 2025–2035 aims to improve recruitment and retention through better training, supervision and career opportunities.

It also focuses on workplace safety, collaboration and recognising lived experience in the sector.

The plan is backed by $2.5 million in the 2025/26 Budget and was developed after research found many frontline staff were overstretched and at risk of burnout.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said eliminating domestic and family violence was a priority for the government.

“Eliminating domestic and family violence is a priority for the NSW Government, and we need to do everything we can to support the workforce that is committed to achieving this goal,” Harrison said.

She said the new strategy was long-term work that had been neglected in the past and that the sector had been “crying out for.”

“Domestic and family violence specialist frontline workers who provide vital support for victim-survivors of abusive relationships are passionate about their work, have deep empathy for the people they work with, and are committed to ending domestic and family violence.”

“That is why we must support them. This Strategy is the first step, setting out a 10-year roadmap for us to create a stronger, more robust workforce that feels supported and can attract new people to it.

“A strong and connected workforce will continue to respond to and create safety for families escaping violence.”