Domestic violence programs get funding boost
The state government has announced a renewed five-year deal with the Albanese government to invest an additional $52.2 million between 2025-2030.
Programs supporting women and children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) across South Australia will be receiving an additional $26.1 million in funding from the Commonwealth Government over the next five years, with the state government matching that contribution.
SA Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard said the State Government was “determined to help prevent and eradicate the scourge of domestic, family and sexual violence”.
“South Australia is leading the nation in effective intervention – we’re not just delivering this, we’re sharing our expertise with other states and territories and shaping national responses,” she said.
Federal Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said the investment included “funding for services that keep victim-survivors safe as well as innovative programs that help break cycles of violence.”
Some of the programs that will be supported by the funding boost include the Safe and Well Kids Program, which provides case management, therapeutic and legal support to children and young people and their mothers/caregivers who are experiencing DFSV; and the Safe and Secure Housing Program, which provides intensive support for women and children in the metropolitan Adelaide area to access safe and secure long-term housing.
The state government has also provided an additional $5.7 million over two years to continue six specialist DFSV programs that were previously funded under the National Partnership.
One such program is KIND (Kinship, Improving relationships No violence, Developing skills), an early intervention program for young people aged 12-25 who use violence in their family or intimate partner relationships, providing systematic interventions to reduce violent behaviour and offering support to perpetrators’ families.
Stay informed, daily
Another is the Young Men and Young Fathers Program, a specialist trauma program offering counselling, group work, psychosocial education and case management for young men and fathers who are at risk of or have used violence or coercive control.
The announcement comes in response to the state’s ongoing Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, whose findings are due to be handed down in August.
Minister Hildyard says “the Royal Commission will likely call for stronger, more coordinated responses, and this funding gives us the tools to do just that”.
“This additional funding will help South Australian women and children access the support they need and help stop violence before it starts,” she said.
