The ACT Government is making a significant investment in the safety and wellbeing of victim survivors, with over $30 million committed in the 2025–26 Budget to strengthen and expand the Territory's response to domestic, family and sexual violence.
This investment boosts the capacity of frontline services, enhances early intervention efforts for children and young people, and supports the provision of culturally safe support through Aboriginal Community Controlled and led Organisations.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the Budget reflects the Government's deep commitment to addressing domestic, family and sexual violence and delivering trauma-informed, person-centred support for those affected by violence.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, in their relationships, and in their community," the Treasurer said.
"This significant investment in family, domestic and sexual violence responses builds on our record of funding vital frontline services and supports a safer, stronger Canberra."
The Budget allocates $24 million over four years to strengthen and sustain essential domestic, family, and sexual violence services. Key funding measures include:
- Expanding the capacity of Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
- Critical resourcing to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service
- Continuing the PCYC's Solid Ground early intervention program for young people experiencing DFV
- Expanding the YWCA's Domestic Violence Support Service to include two specialist children's workers
- Continuation of the Family Violence Safety Action Program, coordinated by Victim's Support ACT
- Continuation of the Victim Survivor Voices Pilot
- Extension of the Safer Families Assistance Program
Following the receipt of The Long Yarn report, this Budget allocates $6 million over 3 years to Aboriginal and Community Controlled and led Organisations to provide culturally safe services. This funding will enable the following initiatives:
- Intensive case management services delivered by Yhurwun Bullan
- Continued support for Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation to provide both individual and systemic advocacy services
- Engagement of WhISPers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Softball Corporation to deliver healing through sport and cultural events
- Ongoing support for Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation to continue delivering the NaraGanaWali Strengthening Families Program
- Development and implementation of a community and professional education campaign promoting the message that "violence is not our way"
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the funding is aimed at increasing the capacity of frontline services to support victims of domestic, family and sexual violence.
"Ending violence against women is a national emergency and the ACT Government is strongly committed to addressing this violence. This funding is a strong investment in the services that support those experiencing violence in our community."
"This package has a strong focus on supporting children and young people exposed to violence, as well as crisis support for victim survivors and supports the continuation of the high-risk family violence case coordination program," Minister Paterson said.
"I am strongly committed to working with our local organisations and supporting ACCO's to strengthen and sustain the essential work that they do".
This comprehensive package forms part of the ACT Government's long-term commitment to ending domestic, family and sexual violence in the ACT and ensuring a safer future for all Canberrans. It is supported by funding from the Safer Families Levy and the Commonwealth's National Partnership Agreement, which together help strengthen responses to and the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence.
