The NSW Government has outlined a new approach to domestic and family violence that puts the behaviour of perpetrators at the centre of its efforts. Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030 sets out how agencies plan to work together to intervene earlier, strengthen accountability and improve safety for victim-survivors.
The Minns Government describes the strategy as the state’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting domestic and family violence by focusing squarely on those who cause or may cause harm. The idea is to shift more attention toward prevention and interventions that stop violence before it escalates, while still sustaining support for people who have been harmed.
The strategy arrives amid troubling figures. NSW Police recorded more than 100,000 domestic violence related crimes in 2024, and 39 people were killed in incidents linked to domestic violence. Long-term trends from BOCSAR point to rising rates of sexual offences, assaults and breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders over the past decade. These numbers have prompted growing pressure on governments to rethink what is and isn’t working.
The government allocated five million dollars in the 2024/25 Budget to expand research and trial interventions with people who use violence. Part of that funding supported the development of the strategy and its companion Action Plan, which will guide how departments implement the proposals over the coming years.
NSW is now one of only two states to release a strategy that directly targets the use of violence. While most policy in this space has traditionally centred on crisis support for victim-survivors, this approach looks to add stronger interventions aimed at changing harmful behaviour. It sits alongside existing plans, including the Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022–2027 and the Pathways to Prevention Strategy 2024–2028.
The government says the new framework is built around six priorities that aim to address the drivers of domestic and family violence, while improving the consistency of responses across agencies. These include supporting children and young people, strengthening prevention work, expanding behaviour-change options, improving collaboration between services, building workforce capability and sharpening the evidence base that guides policy.
Officials emphasise that this is not a standalone effort. Some work is already underway, including the Men’s Behaviour Change Program and reforms to sentencing for intimate partner homicide. NSW recently became the first state to legislate a specific non-parole period in such cases, part of a broader attempt to reinforce deterrence and accountability.
More than 300 stakeholders contributed to the strategy’s development. People with lived experience, frontline workers, academics and regional groups took part in consultations. A recurring theme in their feedback was the need for more consistent early intervention and stronger options for those seeking help to change their behaviour.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the government wants to address violence at its source. She noted that frontline services do critical work supporting victim-survivors, but long-term safety depends on stopping violence from occurring.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin added that improving outcomes requires action on multiple fronts. She said programs aimed at people who use violence are essential to improving accountability and reducing repeat harm.
Sector organisations have welcomed the strategy while highlighting the work that still lies ahead. No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper described the plan as a major shift that places responsibility back on perpetrators. He called for a coordinated national approach so that states and territories work to the same aims.
Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the strategy provides an opportunity to strengthen the whole system, though she stressed the need for sustained funding and close involvement of specialist services during implementation. According to her, long-term success will depend on whether programs are properly resourced and informed by on-the-ground expertise.
The government’s message is that the strategy is the beginning of a longer reform effort. Many actions will roll out gradually, and progress will be monitored as services expand and new interventions are tested. For now, the plan marks a shift towards earlier intervention, shared responsibility across agencies and a clearer focus on changing dangerous behaviour before it escalates.
If you need support
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 65 64 63 (24/7)
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero / 000.
- For confidential advice and referrals: 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
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