State government investment in preventing and responding to family violence needs to significantly grow to address existing gaps and rising demand, according to Safe and Equal's 2027-28 Victorian Budget Submission released today.
Such an investment would address rising demand for specialist family violence services, foster improvements in the justice system and sustain primary prevention and early intervention initiatives.
Safe and Equal's Budget submission also highlights the need to strengthen support for children and young people as victim survivors in their own right. This means centring their needs and experiences, prioritising their safety and wellbeing and ensuring they can access the right support early, separate to and beyond the parameters of the adult service system.
"Victoria has developed one of the strongest family violence systems in the country. The task now is to build on what works, address what remains unfinished and invest in building the next phase of the system," said Safe and Equal CEO Dr Joumanah El-Matrah.
"While Victoria has made significant strides in addressing reform, family violence remains a pervasive crisis that continues to profoundly impact lives, families, and communities across the state."
This year, at least 12 Victorian women and one child have been killed in acts of family and gender-based violence. In 2024-25, police recorded 106,340 family violence incidents - an eight per cent increase on the previous year. Crime Statistics Agency data released last week shows that family violence-related serious assaults have risen by nearly 16 per cent across the state.
"Beyond the devastating statistics on violence and fatalities, victim survivors are encountering extended wait times - and in some cases, a total absence of support - due to systemic funding constraints and severe workforce shortages," said Dr El-Matrah.
Each year, about 3,750 victim survivors seeking help from specialist services are unable to receive any support. A further 5,000 existing clients are unable to be provided with the services they need, due to demand and funding restrictions.
The most recent estimate for the cost of family violence in Victoria was $5.3 billion in 2015-16, equivalent to about $8.9 billion today. Economic modelling commissioned by Safe and Equal shows that a $554 million investment would return $2.8 billion in benefits to victim survivors, communities and economies - a rate of six times the cost of investment.
"If a transport or infrastructure policy was costing Victoria billions each year, it would be labelled a significant economic problem. And yet, family violence is not treated the same way, despite clear evidence of the costs," said Dr El-Matrah.
"Victoria has committed to gender-responsive budgeting. If that commitment is to mean anything, it must be reflected in sustained investment in the family violence system - addressing a gendered issue that disproportionately impacts women and children."
"Investing more now means less costs downstream - for every dollar invested, nearly six times that is saved. It would not only lessen future demand for specialist services, but reduce the pressure on healthcare, housing, child protection and justice systems. It would also boost the economy, because when people are safe, they're better able to participate in the workforce."
With the Victorian election fast approaching, Safe and Equal is calling for all candidates and parties to make clear commitments to address family and gender-based violence.
"Family violence is an inescapable imperative for political leadership this election. It permeates every sector of our society, leaving no community, family, or individual untouched," said Dr El-Matrah.
"It's crucial voters know what candidates and parties are offering to change the current trajectory and strengthen the system we've built."
"Lives depend on it."
Key priorities outlined in Safe and Equal's 2027-28 Victorian State Budget Submission:
Priority 1: Support children and young people as victim survivors in their own right
Priority 2: Sustainable investment in the sector
Priority 3: Safe, secure and affordable housing as critical for victim survivor safety and recovery
Priority 4: Strengthening justice responses and access to legal support
View the full submission here.
About us:
About Safe and Equal: standing strong against family violence
Safe and Equal is the peak body for Victorian organisations specialising in family and gender-based violence across prevention, early intervention, response and recovery. Our vision is a world where everyone is safe, respected and thriving, living free from family and gender-based violence.
