The National Network welcome the National Cabinet’s recent announcement of a $4.7 billion investment in family violence services, a critical and much-needed step in addressing the devastating impact of domestic, family, and sexual violence across this country. This substantial funding package represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the support available to victim- survivors and to develop new, innovative approaches that can make a real difference.
‘The National Network are particularly encouraged by Prime Minister Albanese’s commitment to using this funding to explore “innovative” solutions in the fight against domestic and family violence,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘For criminalised women, who face complex and compounded challenges, this innovation is essential,, and we are hoping there will be a move away from the outdated and ineffective reliance on carceral responses to domestic and family violence,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
Approximately 98% of incarcerated women have experienced victimisation and trauma, with nearly 85% being victims of sexual violence. These women often carry the heavy burdens of criminal records, legal entanglements, and systemic barriers that limit their ability to access meaningful support and escape cycles of violence.
‘The unique circumstances faced by criminalised women demand specialised services designed, developed, and delivered by those with actual lived incarceration experience,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘Organisations led by formerly incarcerated people are best positioned to understand these challenges and to offer the kind of comprehensive support that criminalised women need to leave abusive relationships and to rebuild their lives,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Too often, criminalised women’s unique needs are not considered when services are designed, resulting in services not being equipped to address the complicated and intersecting oppressions faced by women who have been harmed by multiple state systems,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘The National Network urge the government to not forget our community during this latest injection of funding so we are not again marginalised by the service and funds allocation,’ said Tabitha Lean.
As a National Network, we urge the government to consider funding organisations like ours, which are equipped to design, develop and deliver innovative services that address the specific needs of criminalised women. This includes:
- Specialised legal aid for women navigating the criminal and family law systems.
- Accessible, trauma-informed support services that understand the intersection of domestic, family, and sexual violence with criminalisation.
- Policies and services that do not centre the carceral system but instead offer alternative pathways to safety, justice, and accountability.
- Training programs that help build protective factors and support women to build communities of care.
‘The National Network believe in creating support systems that are safe, inclusive, and accessible for criminalised women and girls—systems that protect everyone and promote well-being without perpetuating further harm,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘By investing in programs that do not centre the carceral system, the government has the opportunity to foster real, lasting change and ensure that all survivors of domestic and family violence have access to the care and protection they deserve,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226
