Digital Notification Service For Domestic Violence Victim-Survivors Launches

A joint initiative from the state and federal governments will see victim-survivors of domestic and family violence receive a digital alert when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody, helping victim-survivors make informed decisions about their safety.

The first-of-its-kind Australian service, DV Notify delivers real-time text and email updates from a perpetrator’s arrest through to final sentencing.

The app will be trialled for twelve months across the Liverpool Police Area Command, Manning-Great Lakes Police District and Orana-Mid Western Police District, with police and other frontline workers in those locations trained to work with the new service.

“We wanted to trial DV Notify in a metropolitan area and in a regional and rural, remote area,” Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison told ABC Radio Sydney.

“We wanted those areas also to have higher populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or cultural and linguistically diverse people as there’s additional complexities with those populations.”

Developed with input from victim-survivors, the service connects users with local support and crisis services such as emergency accomodation and legal services to help people plan for their safety.

“I am so grateful we not only had the opportunity to share our experiences about what was needed but also have our recommendations reflected in the final product,” said one of the Lived Expertise Policy Advisory Committee members. 

“Life changing” services stopping violence at the start

Together, the state and federal governments have contributed to the $3.9 million design, build and pilot of DV Notify, with the NSW Government committing a further $8.9 million in the 2025–26 Budget to expand and enhance the service over the next two years.

Notifications will be available in 10 community languages common in the areas it’s being trialled in, including Arabic, Assyrian, Chinese, Hindi, Italian, Nepalese, Serbian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Urdu.

Federal Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, said the pilot highlighted the importance of keeping victim-survivors safe and informed.

“Our partnership with the states and territories along with the Albanese Government’s boost to frontline services, paid domestic violence leave, housing support for women escaping violence, programs to stop the violence at the start, and family law reform are making a life changing difference,” she said. 

“It’s important that women’s safety is considered at every opportunity. This pilot program is another step we are taking to prioritise their needs.”

You are not alone. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or family violence and needs support, you can contact:

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• LGBTQ+ Rainbow Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Service Help Line: 1800 385 578
• NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
• Alan Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Mensline 1300789978
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015
• QLife (3pm to midnight): 1800 184 527
• 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander line) – 13 92 76