A new digital service designed to give victim-survivors of domestic and family violence timely updates about their alleged perpetrators has been launched by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.
The platform, called DV Notify, sends real-time text and email alerts from the moment of arrest through to final sentencing, including notifications when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody. The service is designed to help people make informed decisions about their safety and access relevant support when needed.
DV Notify represents a collaboration between the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments, which have jointly funded the design, build and pilot with an investment of $3.9 million. The NSW Government has committed a further $8.9 million over the next two years to expand and improve the service.
The pilot will run for 12 months across three locations — Liverpool, Manning-Great Lakes and Orana-Mid Western — before being evaluated. The tool has been developed with direct input from victim-survivors and aims to be trauma-informed, culturally responsive and practical. Users will be able to receive notifications in 10 community languages common to the pilot regions, including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, and Vietnamese, with the option to opt out at any time.
Federal Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said the initiative is part of a broader national effort to protect women and children. She said the Albanese Government is focused on “delivering real change to break cycles of violence and keep women and children safe.”
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said DV Notify puts safety information directly into the hands of those who need it. “Knowing when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody helps people make informed decisions, seek support, and put safety plans in place,” she said.
Attorney General Michael Daley described the pilot as a way to ensure victim-survivors receive prompt updates at every stage of the court process. “The trial will provide an added layer of notification to ensure real-time updates about an alleged perpetrator’s custody status,” he said.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the service will complement frontline work by police officers who often encounter domestic violence incidents first-hand. “The launch of this digital service will strengthen and streamline the critical work of police, giving faster, more coordinated responses when victims need it,” she said.
NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, said the program shows how technology can improve safety outcomes. “Timely access to information is vital to keeping people experiencing domestic and family violence safe. DV Notify is a great step forward to achieving that goal,” he said.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, welcomed the pilot, saying it addresses a major gap in communication for victim-survivors. “Many live in constant uncertainty and fear, not knowing when their alleged perpetrator will be released. This service helps them plan for their safety with more confidence,” she said.
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna from NSW Police said the pilot would be closely evaluated after 12 months to measure its impact. “Victim wellbeing is our highest priority. This initiative ensures victim-survivors are kept informed at every stage of the legal process,” he said.
One member of the Domestic Violence NSW Lived Expertise Policy Advisory Committee, using the pseudonym Sarah, said being part of the consultation made a difference. “I am so grateful we had the opportunity to share our experiences and see our recommendations reflected in the final product,” she said.
DV Notify is available to victim-survivors in the pilot areas through NSW Police and local domestic violence support services. The project is funded through the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021–30 Federation Funding Agreement.
For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/dvnotify.
Support services:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
For domestic and family violence support, contact the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63, or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour confidential assistance.
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