The people who see the system up close know exactly what needs to change.
Behind every DFV statistic is someone doing their best in a system that doesn’t always work as it should. Child protection workers, health staff, police officers, court support officers, housing workers and workers in community organisations see the gaps every day. They know what happens when services aren’t connected and what can be achieved when government and community organisations work together.
Their voices make the case clear: we need a government-led, integrated system where strong public services and community organisations work together.
“Some days I feel like I’m holding the entire system together with my bare hands.”
“I’ve watched countless women fall through gaps that shouldn’t exist: missed referrals, delays between agencies, no safe housing available. When the system fails, the risk falls on the victim. A connected, properly coordinated system would change everything.“
Caseworker – Department of Communities and Justice
“We often have nowhere safe to send women after we finish the paperwork. It breaks you.”
“The lack of public housing means women are forced into unsafe options or have no other option but to return home. A whole-of-government housing strategy is urgently needed.”
Housing Officer – Temporary Accommodation Unit
“The difference when everyone works together is night and day.”
“Mount Druitt shows what good looks like. When Police, Housing, Health and DCJ sit at the same table, cases move faster and families are safer“
Police DFV Liaison Officer
“Victims deserve a process that protects them, not one that retraumatises them.”
“A DFV Court would allow early intervention, faster case handling, and better protection.”
Court Support Worker
A model that is working:
Mount Druitt
A government-led, integrated Family Violence Service where Police, Courts, Housing, Child Protection, Health and community organisations work together.
It shows what government and community organisations can achieve when services are properly coordinated around the needs of victim-survivors.
RESULT: Faster responses. Clearer accountability. Better coordination. Safer outcomes.
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