NSW govt to expand scheme enabling domestic violence victims to stay in homes while perpetrators are removed
A scheme to be expanded across NSW will allow more domestic violence victims to stay in their own homes while their attackers are forced to find new accommodation.
Under the Staying Home Leaving Violence, police remove the attacker instead of the domestic violence victim being required to leave the home.
In welcome news for individuals and families dealing with domestic violence, the Minns government is investing $25.9 million over four years to rollout the program to all 128 local government areas.
The program not only allows for the perpetrator to be removed from the home but helps victims by fortifying their properties with security upgrades.
Those affected by domestic violence can also access assistance with safety planning, legal matters and financial guidance.
The SHLV program last year supported 6,500 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
The expansion will include providers in areas such as the Northern Beaches, North Shore and Inner West, as well as multiple regional areas.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said everyone had the right to 'feel safe in their own home', but noted this was not the case for many.
'When that right has been taken away from someone, this program is about supporting them in feeling safe in their homes again, or alternative, safe accommodation,' he said.
'Too many lives have been lost and too many families have been broken because of domestic and family violence.'
'It is a blight in our communities, and it is a problem that deserves our government's concerted attention.'
There have been 25 women allegedly killed so far in 2025, after the deaths of 103 women in 2024, according to The Red Heart Campaign.
'Too often victim-survivors of domestic and family violence are forced to leave their homes in order to escape abuse,' NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said.
'Staying Home Leaving Violence helps the victim-survivor to stay safely in their own home, or a home of their choice and to keep important connections in their own community. This program aims to support women to live in safety and to maintain housing stability.'
'Keeping women and children connected to their families, support network, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods is so important for their recovery. People should not be forced to abandon those connections to escape a violent situation.'
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