A new report published by the Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI) outlines urgent steps needed to improve the sustainability and strength of family violence services in NSW. Drawing on the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities during COVID-19, the research identifies practical opportunities for government to enhance the resilience and preparedness of these critical services.
The report, authored by researchers from the University of Sydney, La Trobe University and Macquarie University, examines how family violence services adapted during the pandemic and what governments can learn to move towards long-term systemic resilience. The study draws on interviews with clients and staff from specialist multicultural family violence services in Western Sydney.
This research is particularly timely, strategically aligning with investments made by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments in family violence prevention. In June 2026, the NSW Government announced an investment of $184.1 million to increase funding for six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs over four years. It will be essential moving forward for government to build upon these initial investments to ensure that family violence service provision is sustainable long-term.
For CALD communities, the challenges raised during COVID-19 – including sharp increases in demand and greater complexity in client needs – were often compounded by barriers such as language, cultural accessibility, and distrust of institutions. The report argues that lessons from these experiences are relevant not only to future public health emergencies, but to any major social disruption, including natural disasters and other crises.
Lead author, Associate Professor Ghena Krayem, said the experiences of victim-survivors and frontline services provide important lessons for the strategic targeting of service supports. “Crises expose and amplify existing vulnerabilities that exist in family violence service delivery systems. Our research demonstrates that investing in systemic resilience before a crisis occurs is critical to ensuring services can continue supporting victim-survivors when communities need them most.”
The report highlights five policy opportunities that government can act upon to proactively build a family violence service system that is structurally equipped for future crises, while maintaining a focus on victim-survivor safety and empowerment.
Marianna Brungs, Executive Director of Policy & Projects at APPI, said the report provides practical insights for policymakers seeking to improve outcomes for vulnerable communities. “This research offers a clear and evidence-informed roadmap for strengthening family violence services in Australia. It highlights how governments can build more resilient service systems while ensuring support remains accessible, culturally responsive and centred on victim-survivor safety.”
