A new independent evaluation by the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia has found that regional domestic violence support service DVassist is delivering life-changing counselling support to victim-survivors in some of the most isolated parts of the State.
For many women in regional Western Australia, escaping family and domestic violence is only the first step. The path to healing, which involves rebuilding trust, safety and stability, requires support that is often out of reach.
As the only provider of specialist, online recovery counselling for family domestic violence in regional, rural, and remote WA, DVassist is meeting a critical need. But without long-term funding, the service is unable to keep up with rising demand.
Data shows that one in four women in rural areas will experience family domestic violence in their lifetime. In many parts of regional WA, victim-survivors only have access to short-term crisis support.
However, longer-term recovery counselling, which plays a vital role in supporting women to heal, rebuild their lives, and live safely, is largely unavailable.
DVassist fills the gap by offering accessible, phone-based, after-hours family domestic violence recovery counselling with no referral needed.
The CSI UWA evaluation found that those using the service consistently reported receiving support that met their needs and helped them recover in a way that aligned with personal goals and circumstances.
Centre for Social Impact UWA Research Fellow Yasmine Hooper said the DVassist counselling service filled a gap in the family domestic violence sector by providing immediate access to specialised support.
"It is phone-based, free to access after-hours, and requires no referral, making it a lifeline for many in isolated areas," Ms Hooper said.
"People receive support that is responsive to their unique experiences and empowers them to rebuild on their own terms."
Despite the program's success, short-term funding constraints are now limiting DVassist's ability to meet growing demand. DVassist CEO Ella Ailenei said the service was operating at full capacity.
"Additional funding is not just about expanding services, it's about protecting our workforce from burnout and ensuring victim-survivors continue to receive safe, high-quality, trauma-informed care," Ms Ailenei said.
The evaluation underscores an urgent need for long-term, sustainable investment in regional recovery focused counselling – investment that builds on what is already working and ensures that no one seeking support is turned away.
