A groundbreaking early intervention program by local organisation Jenny’s Place is leading the way in the domestic and family violence (DFV) response, according to a new study by the University of Newcastle.

Operating as a division of Jenny’s Place, the Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre (NDVRC) was the focus of the University of Newcastle study titled; Improving domestic violence services in the Hunter: An evaluation of early intervention services offered by Jenny’s Place.

The study reviewed the effectiveness and social impact of the NDVRC in relation to minimising risk through highly accessible and responsive early intervention support.

Jenny’s Place CEO, Dawn Walker, said early intervention is key to mitigating the risk of physical harm, trauma and domestic homicide.

“The reason that facts are so powerful is because data tells us the truth. Statistically we know that women are most at risk when they are in the act of leaving violence, however, many DFV social programs are funded to support women only after they’ve left a violent relationship,” Dawn said.

“The Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre was specifically created with no qualifying criteria, so women can access specialist DFV casework support before they leave violence, ensuring a supported pathway to safety is in place. This dramatically reduces the risk of physical harm, homelessness and domestic homicide.”

Data from the University of Newcastle study suggests this early intervention ‘no accessibility criteria’ approach could be used as a blueprint for other services across NSW and beyond – but that more funding is needed to sustain programs like the NDVRC, which do not receive government funding.

“The accessibility, timing and duration of the support emerged as one of the Centre’s most unique and important features,” lead researcher, Professor Margaret Alston said.

“Working with those experiencing domestic and family violence while they remain in the home potentially averts violence and crisis and may reduce the need for emergency response from police, ambulance and hospitals.”

Between 2021 and 2022, the NSW government reported 31,755 DFV related assaults. In the same period, 30% of all homicides in NSW were DFV related. Of the recorded DFV assaults, Newcastle and the Hunter region accounted for a significant 9.75%. Early intervention strategies for those at risk of, or experiencing, domestic violence, aim to identify violence early, prevent escalation, and offer safe referral pathways.

The study was jointly funded by Jenny’s Place and the University of Newcastle through its industry-matched funding scheme. It utilised a mixed-method approach, analysing service data, as well as data collected through staff interviews, client interviews and a client questionnaire.

Margaret said the evidence-based research will support Jenny’s Place to facilitate a more targeted and supportive service, but that increased funding would be necessary to meet the growing demand and complexity of client presentations.

“Jenny’s Place has an opportunity to utilise this study to progress service delivery at the Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre and share best practice guidelines with similar services in NSW,” Margaret said.

“However, the study found that the shortage of secure and ongoing funding remains the primary barrier for the Centre remaining responsive to unprecedented socio-historic and economic conditions.”

Walker echoed the long-term funding concerns and acknowledged the community’s role in sustaining this vital Centre over the last 16 years of operation.

“We are proud to provide this critical, life-saving support to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence in and beyond our region, and we are immensely grateful to the corporate and community funding partners who have helped us keep the doors open,” she said.

“The casework team at the Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre offer an expertise specific to this increasingly prevalent social issue, and their commitment to client-centric, trauma informed care is second to none.

“Through our prevention and early intervention program, we are helping women to understand and mitigate risk so that they can make informed decisions about their safety and their future.

“By helping women get ahead of the danger, we are driving positive social impact and most importantly, elevating protections for victims of domestic abuse. Consistent, long-term funding is urgently needed so that we can continue this important work,” she said.

IMAGE | Professor Margaret Alston and CEO of Jenny’s Place, Dawn Walker