The Hunter Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Consortium is calling for urgent funding to ensure specialist services can meet the demand.
And, the group – comprising Warlga Ngurra, Carries Place, Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services, Got Your Back Sista, Family Support Newcastle, Jenny’s Place, Nova for Women and Children, and Upper Hunter Homeless Support – utilised International Women’s Day (IWD) to push its case.
It comes as the 2026 theme, Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, underscores the critical need for stronger investment in frontline responses to domestic and family violence.
“Services across the region are facing unprecedented pressure,” Hunter DFV Consortium regional collaborations coordinator Lisa Ronneberg said.
“Currently, they’re operating far beyond what they are funded to deliver.
“Ask any specialist DFV service in our region what the start of this year has been like.
“They’re seeing unparalleled demand… and it’s only March.
“Advocating for increasing the funding of specialist DFV services is our priority focus [on IWD) because while people are rightly celebrating women and talking about their rights and empowerment, far too many in our region are not safe, and many are living every day in absolute terror.”
Ms Ronneberg also highlighted the strain on the sector’s predominantly female workforce.
“These dedicated, highly-skilled, trauma-informed workers are holding the system together, often preventing homicides,” she said.
“Yet, they do so in underfunded services.
“Dedication alone cannot sustain such a system.
“Urgent investment is needed to support our workers… and to keep women and children safe.”
With the NSW Government finalising the 2026 State Budget, the Hunter DFV Consortium wants a clear and measurable commitment.
It seeks a doubling of funding for specialist DFV services.
Increased investment would allow them to recruit and retain staff, reduce waitlists, respond sooner to women and children in crisis, and cover staffing gaps during leave.
Australia’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin stated in her 2025 Report to Parliament: “The question is not whether we can create a future where all Australians live free from violence. The question is whether we choose to.”
“As International Women’s Day returns to the spotlight, we’re urging Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to choose a future where women and children in NSW can live free from violence,” Ms Ronneberg said.
“We’d like them to ensure the 2026 State Budget fully funds specialist DFV services so that safety is available when it is needed, not just when capacity allows.”
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