PSA Podcast - The launch of our DV Campaign

The Domestic Violence Needs Public Services campaign is led by PSA NSW President Nicole Jess and features insights from Nadia Graham, a caseworker seconded from Community Services, alongside survivors Bindi and Danny. The campaign is built around five core demands, with a primary focus on establishing transparency and accountability to ensure that the $274 million currently allocated to these services is spent effectively and reaches the intended victims. A significant systemic issue highlighted is that two out of three women in New South Wales currently lack access to a caseworker, which prevents them from receiving the necessary support to stay safe in their homes or relocate.

The union advocates for the expansion of the "gold standard" model currently operating as the Nepean Western Sydney Blue Mountains Family Violence Service in Mount Druitt. While the PSA acknowledges the vital role of NGOs, they argue that the public sector model provides a unique level of continuity, sometimes supporting clients for up to four years through legal, housing, and child protection hurdles. The campaign specifically calls for this public service model to be implemented in 12 additional regions across the state to provide consistent, long-term support that is not restricted by the time-limited budgets often found in the non-profit sector.

Another critical pillar of the campaign involves offender rehabilitation, particularly for those on remand. Nicole Jess noted that out of 1,200 recent arrests, approximately half were for domestic violence, yet these individuals often spend 12 to 16 months in custody without participating in any programs to address their behavior. The campaign seeks to change this by making offenders responsible for their actions while in custody to prevent increased violence upon their release. For those seeking more information or wishing to support the movement, the union has directed the public to domesticviolenceneedspublicservices.com.au.