These are among the thousands of women helped by Western Sydney Nepean Blue Mountains Domestic Violence Service – until last September known as the Mount Druitt Family Violence Service – which has lost more than half of its seven staff in the past two years. Staffed by two case workers and a trainee,its future is uncertain.
In 2023,NSW Treasury secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter lauded the service as the “gold standard” in his role as secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice,which runs the service.
Staffed by caseworkers from the DCJ,the service is now short-staffed because the DCJ itself is short-staffed and any extra workers are sent to its child protection unit.
The DCJ said the service remains funded for seven full-time employees and it continues to recruit.
Data obtained by this masthead shows Mount Druitt’s 2770 postcode recorded the most domestic violence episodes in the state,with 7119 reports to police over the decade to March 2024.
That figure is more than 1000 incidents ahead of the 2170 Liverpool postcode,an area home to almost twice as many people.
The highest rate of domestic violence reports per 10,000 women in the past 12 months was also in the Mount Druitt area (163 per 10,000 female residents);in Sydney’s CBD,142 women per 10,000 made reports.
Last month,theHerald revealed that Mount Druitt also experienced Sydney’s most murders over the past decade.
Last month,budget figures reveal NSW allocated $417.2 million in the 2022-23 financial year on domestic violence compared to Victoria’s $613 million.
A former worker not authorised to speak publicly told theHeraldthe service is a “one-stop shop” for people fleeing violence.
“Other services are restricted because the women have to have left the relationship,we can work with women living with their abuser,” they said.
“After they leave,women often come in with the clothes on their back and a kid under each arm.”
The worker is “extremely concerned” that fewer workers would endanger lives.
In a statement,the DCJ said:“All DCJ-funded programs are managed to ensure their service delivery achieves better outcomes for individuals,families and communities by working in partnership to deliver services.”
The PSA’s Stewart Little said the service had “saved hundreds of lives since it opened” and it might soon close.
If you or anyone you know needs help,call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (and see),national domestic,family and sexual violence counselling,information and support service (1800 737 732)or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights..