In response to increasing domestic violence issues and advocacy demands, New South Wales introduces a new coercive control awareness campaign and significant government reforms aiming to improve victim support and legal protections.
New South Wales is set to increase its focus on combatting domestic violence with a new public awareness campaign on coercive control and proposed government reforms. The coercion control awareness initiative, launched to align with new legislation set for July, seeks to educate the public about the signs of abusive behaviour. Alongside this, the NSW government, in collaboration with advocates including Rosie Batty, plans urgent reforms to tackle male violence against women, as announced by Acting Premier Prue Car.
Both initiatives come in response to high demand and limited resources in domestic violence services. DVNSW has requested that the NSW government allocate at least $145 million in its upcoming budget to domestic and family violence services. The federal government has also committed $925 million to aid victims in leaving abusive relationships. This funding disparity between NSW and Victoria is noted, with Victoria receiving higher support.
Reforms are expected to include educational programs in schools, and improvements to housing options for victims. Housing Minister Rose Jackson emphasized the need to provide secure housing for women and children forced to flee abusive homes, and called for active involvement from men and boys in addressing the issue.
Additional discussions involve reforms to bail laws following recent tragic incidents, highlighting the necessity of making systemic changes to protect victims better. These developments follow criticism by Greens MP Abigail Boyd, who expressed concerns that the current strategies lack sufficient resources to effectively tackle the issue of domestic violence. Full Stop Australia’s Karen Bevan, however, underscored the critical role of community education on coercive control.
