DFV Crisis Response Pilot Project

In 2024-25, NSW Health successfully delivered Phase 2 of the Integrated DFV Crisis Response Pilot Project.

The pilot has been informed by consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders to ensure the program model is culturally appropriate, accessible and minimises unintended harms. Four local health districts are participating in the pilot and the final report from the independent evaluation was delivered in July 2025. Phase 2 of the pilot also includes trialling a specialist DFV consultation service for health workers, based in NSW Health's Northern-region Child Wellbeing Unit. The pilot seeks to produce evidence on safety, health and wellbeing needs for Aboriginal victim-survivors, families and communities. Evidence collected will inform a statewide model of care that is culturally safe, encourages health service access, and minimises engagement with statutory agencies where appropriate. Additional funding has been secured through the FDSV NPA to extend the pilot for 2 years to June 2027.

Results from Phase 2 of the pilot demonstrate significant progress towards development and implementation of consistent 24/7 domestic violence (DV) psychosocial care, standardised risk assessment and safety planning requirements, consultation support, clinical guidance on responses to non-fatal strangulation and brain injury, and provision of DV-specific medical and forensic services, including specialist injury documentation, preparation of Expert Witness Certificates and court support. This builds on current health system responses to DFV including but not limited to: routine screening in targeted health services; medical responses and injury treatment in Emergency Departments (EDs), and psychosocial responses delivered by social workers in EDs and community health settings. Statewide and post-pilot implementation is dependent on securing ongoing funding.