Women and children escaping domestic and family violence across the Blue Mountains LGA can now access support to end an abusive relationship and stay safely in their own homes.  

The Minns Labor Government has invested $25.9 million over four years to expand the Staying Home Leaving Violence program to all 128 LGAs in NSW. 

The expansion has already progressed to include 12 new SHLV providers. This includes Lithgow Community Services Incorporated, which now provides SHLV services in Blue Mountains and Lithgow. 

Last financial year, SHLV supported 6,500 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, including 1,293 children who have experienced abuse. 

A 2022 evaluation found the program to "effectively contribute to the long‑term safety and housing stability of women and families" and achieved enhanced wellbeing for women and children affected by domestic and family violence. 

Under the program, local police make sure the perpetrator is removed from the home, while victim-survivors receive safety planning, security upgrades at properties where required, financial planning assistance and help navigating complex legal processes.  

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles, from boosting crisis response, strengthening bail laws, and focusing on earlier intervention and primary prevention. 

The 12 new SHLV providers include: 

• Linking Communities Network Limited - Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hilltops, Snowy Valleys, Temora and Hilltops LGAs.  

• Plus Community - Balranald and Wentworth LGAs.  

• Ryde Family Services TA The Northern Centre - Hornsby, Ryde and Hunters Hill LGAs.  

• Mary's House Services - Northern Beaches, Lane Cove, Ku-Ring-Gai, Mosman, North Sydney, and Willoughby LGAs.  

• Justice Support Centre - Canada Bay and Strathfield LGAs.  

• Lithgow Community Projects Incorporated - Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs.  

• St Vincent de Paul Society NSW - Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs.  

• Home-Start National – Goulburn-Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley LGAs.  

• Monaro Family Support Service - Snowy Monaro LGA.  

• Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council - Oberon LGA.  

• Narrabri and District Community Aid (NDCAS) - Narrabri LGA.  

• Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation - Gunnedah LGA.  

One final service provider for Bourke LGA is still being finalised.  

 Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said: 

“Staying Home Leaving Violence has a long-standing track record of working to support women and children to escape violence without leaving the safety and security of their own home. 

“I have spoken of my own childhood, whereby my mum and siblings had to leave our home for safety; and, it has been my life-long work to ensure that learning from my lived experience can contribute to a better world for others 

“I’m pleased to see this program rolling out in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow because your postcode shouldn’t determine what level of support is available for victim-survivors.” 

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said: 

“Too often victim-survivors of domestic and family violence are forced to leave their homes in order to escape abuse.  

“Staying Home Leaving Violence helps the victim-survivor to stay safely in their own home, or a home of their choice and to keep important connections in their own community. This program aims to support women to live in safety and to maintain housing stability. 

“Keeping women and children connected to their families, support network, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods is so important for their recovery. People should not be forced to abandon those connections to escape a violent situation.” 

Support: 

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76. 

MEDIA: Michelle Lam | Minister Harrison | 0475 466 635 

MEDIA: Brenda Cunningham-Lewis | Trish Doyle | 02 47513298