More than 1,000 additional women and children will have access to case management for the whole family with the expansion of the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service (IDFVS) to six new locations, including Rekindling the Spirit covering Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle LGAs.

As part of the 2024/25 $230 million domestic violence emergency package, the NSW Government has invested $13.7 million over four years to close service gaps in regional and rural New South Wales, providing vital support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Core to this service is a whole-of-family case management approach, working with adult and child victim-survivors and the person using violence. The focus is on maximising family safety. 

Case managers work with victim-survivors to assess their risk to support them, which can include safety planning, developing a personalised safety plan or connecting them with other services, as well as addressing the children’s needs. They also provide information and referrals to Men’s Behaviour Change Programs or other support services for the person using violence.

The new providers and regions are:

• Pathfinders in New England covering Inverell and Glen Innes LGAs
• Wandiyali in Hunter covering Maitland and Cessnock LGAs
• Mission Australia in Murrumbidgee covering Hilltops and Cootamundra-Gundagai LGAs
• Rekindling the Spirit in Northern NSW covering Richmond Valley, Lismore, Kyogle LGAs
• Maaruma-Li in Western covering Warrumbungle LGA
• Mirrimpilyi Muurpa-nara in Far West covering Broken Hill and Central Darling LGAs

State Member for Lismore and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, congratulated Rekindling the Spirit on becoming a provider.

“I welcome Minister Harrison’s announcement that more women and children will have access to whole-of-family case management across the Lismore City, Kyogle and Richmond Valley local government areas,” Minister Saffin said.

In the 2024-25 financial year, IDFVS supported more than 1,700 people, including more than 300 children, in high-risk groups and communities, who experienced violence and abuse in their homes. They include victim-survivors from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those with disabilities or affected by social exclusion or disadvantage.

There are currently 11 existing IDFVS providers across 14 LGAs in New South Wales, taking the total to 17 services after the expansion.

More information about IDFVS is available here https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/supporting-family-domestic-sexual-violence-services/dfv-programs-funding/integrated-domestic-and-family-violence-services-program.html.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The NSW Government is continuing to deliver ongoing, holistic domestic and family violence services for victim-survivors across the state – no matter their postcode. 

“We know communities in regional and rural areas experience higher rates of family violence and barriers to accessing vital support services.

“That’s why we’re expanding programs and services like the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service to regions where there is high need. This program supports victim-survivors and their children who have escaped abuse, as well as those who decide to remain in their relationship, with the goal of increasing safety and reducing risk.

“We’re continuing to work with stakeholders, victim-survivors and the sector to create a safer state for all women and children that is free from violence.”

Catholic Care Broken Bay, Jenny (the name of this victim-survivor of domestic and family violence have been changed to protect her and her children’s privacy and safety) said, “When I first met my caseworker, I was living in fear.

“My caseworker supported me to leave my violent and abusive ex-partner and keep my children with me.

“When I made the decision to relocate interstate so my children and I could be closer to my family, my caseworker made sure I’d receive support at our new location. 

“My children and I are now safe.

“We are healing, recovering and starting to rebuild our new lives free from fear, abuse, violence and the threat of violence.”

Support:

• If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491. 
• If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.