NSW Department of Communities and Justice

Domestic and family violence is a complex challenge that extends far beyond individual experiences, including our communities and workplaces. Recognising this, the NSW Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Corporate Leadership Group is seeking visionary private sector leaders who understand that meaningful change requires collective action. This initiative goes beyond traditional approaches, and the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin invites leaders from across diverse industries to contribute strategic insights and business expertise towards creating safer, more supportive environments for women and children. This is an opportunity to transform and address one of society's most persistent challenges that can genuinely make a difference. Applications are now open. Apply here: https://Inkd.in/g8CPKAhS

The NSW Domestic Violence Line is a free counselling and referral service for women experiencing domestic violence (DV). For over 30 years, trained caseworkers have been providing tailored support to women including crisis counselling, referrals to refuges and safety planning. The DV Line operates 24/7, so anyone experiencing violence always has access to the support they need. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, free call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 If you are in immediate danger, call the Police on 000.

More than 500 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence will have a safe place to call home with 10 new refuges announced as part of the final Core and Cluster roll out. Core and Cluster refuges ensure that women and children fleeing abusive relationships will have a will have a safe place to stay and on-site specialist support like counselling, legal assistance and employment services. Four of the refuges will be led by Aboriginal organisations, ensuring women and children fleeing family violence receive culturally appropriate housing and support as they rebuild their lives. Penny, CEO at SAHSSI (left) says: “We know that the Core and Cluster model offers women safety, dignity, and the chance to recover fully from the trauma of domestic and family violence. This program tells women they are being prioritised, they are important and the community cares about them. "

There’s no excuse for economic abuse. Economic abuse is a powerful form of control, where perpetrators manipulate money and resources to trap their partners in dependence. This may look like someone not letting their partner have a credit card or bank account, or someone using a credit card in their partner's name and leaving them with debt. We stand with victim-survivors and call for greater awareness of this hidden form of violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing economic abuse, help is available. 📞 1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732 📞 NSW Domestic Violence Line (24/7): 1800 656 463 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ghiDney6

Support for the youngest victim-survivors of domestic and family violence will help them recover and disrupt the cycle of abuse. The NSW Government is investing $48.1M to expand vital support services for children and young people experiencing domestic and family violence. Through the Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) program, up to 1,800 children staying in refuges with their mothers will have access to specialised trauma-informed care each year. Every child deserves to live free from violence.

Today marks the beginning of the #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign calling for the elimination of violence against women and girls. The Campaign runs from 25 Nov - 10 Dec and we join the global movement to raise awareness of this important topic and encourage people to take action. Gender-based violence affects entire communities and crosses all social and economic boundaries. Signs of abuse range from physical harm to financial control, digital surveillance, social isolation, emotional manipulation, and threatening behaviours, such as gaslighting. Hear from NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin why #16Days matters and how we can all play a part in creating a future free from gender-based violence. Need support? Help is available: 📞 NSW Domestic Violence Line (24/7): 1800 656 463 📞 1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732

Are you a DCJ caseworker? Have you seen the NSW Child Protection Guide for Families? DCJ has produced new resources to support the work of caseworkers with families. Swipe to see what we have produced and delivered to all CSCs: Access the guide via: https://lnkd.in/g8gMgfeg

Respected barrister Peter Brereton SC has today been appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW. With more than three decades’ experience, the distinguished lawyer has practised as a barrister for 27 years and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2009. Every year for the past 14, Mr Brereton has been nominated as a Leading Silk (Band 1 ranking) of Chambers Global. He has expertise in a range of legal disciplines and his main area of practice is in commercial law, with an emphasis on competition and consumer law, technology, media and telecommunications, resources and energy as well as financial services. Some of the more high-profile and complex cases he has appeared in include Vodafone v ACCC, ACCC v Google, ACCC v Metcash, C7 and Wright Prospecting v Hancock Prospecting. Mr Brereton started his career in 1992 as a solicitor at Freehills (now Herbert Smith Freehills) before becoming a Judge’s Associate in the Federal Court of Australia. He joined Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now King & Wood Mallesons) in 1994, where he remained until 1997. In 2007 Mr Brereton was appointed to the Advisory Committee for the Australian Law Reform Commission and was a member of the Council of Law Reporting for NSW from 2008 to 2015, and its chairman from 2012 to 2015. Since 2022 he has been a member of the Legal Profession Admission Board. He has also taught in higher education at various points, tutoring at the University of Sydney and University of London in the 1990s and lecturing at the former institution from 2009 to 2018. Mr Brereton will be sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court on 6 February 2025.

Are you a DCJ or PSP caseworker supporting young people transitioning from care to independence? The Specialist Aftercare Program has been expanded to more locations and is offering new resources to help 17-24-year-olds who have left statutory care with moderate to high needs. This targeted program is designed to go beyond basic aftercare, providing tailored support in areas such as financial assistance, housing stability, mental health, job readiness, and cultural planning. With intensive casework (typically 6-9 months), we’re helping young people connect to critical services and navigate the system effectively. The program offers mentoring and group work (new elements), intensive casework, as well as Aboriginal cultural consultation, ensuring culturally responsive support for those who need it most. Caseworkers can access the referral form from their local Specialist Aftercare Services provider, through Casework Practice or from the DCJ website. For further details email the Specialist Aftercare Provider in your area. Let’s work together to empower young people in their journey to independence. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gk_hmPum

DCJ facilitated the first NSW Justice Reinvestment Community Forum today with Just Reinvest NSW in Ashfield, Sydney. The forum brought together new and existing Aboriginal-led organisations undertaking Justice Reinvestment work across NSW. Justice Reinvestment is an approach that supports Aboriginal communities to find local and evidence-based solutions to address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system. “The forum provided a safe space for information sharing, discussion, and peer support. It was a great opportunity for sites with varied years of experience, to learn from each other on improving community outcomes through Justice Reinvestment,” says Mallary Welch, Manager of Crime Prevention at DCJ. Six initiatives have received a share of $9.8 million in NSW Government funding to deliver this community-led approach. These initiatives are: ◾ Just Reinvest NSW at Kempsey, Nowra and Mt Druitt ◾ Toomelah Local Aboriginal Land Council at Toomelah ◾ Jana Ngalee Local Aboriginal Land Council at Malabugilmah ◾ Wahluu Health Aboriginal Corporation at Bathurst. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gGVJUTkN