Develop a Corrective Services NSW Domestic and Family Violence Framework

2024: A program ‘spine’ (theory and evidence) based on narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with tools and resources relevant for Aboriginal , culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQI+ and cognitively impaired users of violence, has been developed. It provides an overview of the content and activities and explains how it all links together. Training packages are being amended to incorporate these modifications.

The next phase will involve additional content and resources that are internally accredited to Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW). This will then be piloted to determine feasibility of the additional content/ new program and whether it is likely to achieve the desired outcomes before rolling it out more widely. They will assist in testing the additional content and materials over a finite period in order to understand how the changes work and whether any further modifications are needed. At the conclusion, the program will be accredited as a recognised Men’s Behaviour Change Program.

2025: Phase 2 of the Lived Experience Consultations has concluded, following the completion of the Phase 1 Consultation Report. Conducted between 15 April and 29 May 2025 across 11 correctional sites by an external consultancy, the consultations engaged 96 participants (67 men, 20 women), including 78 users of violence and 38 victim-survivors (some identified as both).

The consultations aimed to validate and test insights from people with lived experience of DFV within CSNSW. Key findings highlight the need for:

• Holistic, trauma-informed supports that go beyond group programs
• Earlier and more equitable access to DFV programs, especially for people on remand, short sentences and in community settings
• Therapeutic care for victim-survivors, including pre-release planning and post-release support
• Culturally safe and responsive services, particularly for Aboriginal peoples
• Improved staff capability in identifying and responding to DFV, including coercive control
• Tailored approaches for people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ communities
• Greater continuity of integrated support from custody into community, including throughcare and case management.

Findings align with Phase 1 and reinforce the need for early intervention, continuity of care, and culturally and gender-informed programming. Draft results were shared with governance groups, and the final Phase 2 report was submitted to CSNSW on 8 July 2025.

The DFV Framework remains on track for finalisation by October 2025, with agency-wide consultation and knowledge transfer to follow.