The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to build a safer New South Wales, launching a new digital service that will strengthen protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
DV Notify is a first-of-its-kind Australian service that alerts victim-survivors when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody. The tool delivers real-time text and email updates from arrest through to final sentencing, helping victim-survivors make informed decisions about their safety.
This initiative delivers on a Minns Government election commitment and responds to a key recommendation from the Domestic Violence Death Review Team to improve timely information for victim-survivors.
Both governments have jointly contributed to the $3.9 million design, build and pilot of DV Notify. The NSW Government has committed a further $8.9 million in the 2025–26 Budget to expand and enhance the service over the next two years.
The 12-month pilot will begin across three locations:
- Liverpool Police Area Command
- Manning-Great Lakes Police District
- Orana-Mid Western Police District
DV Notify has been developed with input from victim-survivors to ensure it is trauma-informed, victim-centred and culturally responsive. The service also connects users with local support and crisis services for safety planning, emergency accommodation and legal help.
NSW Police and domestic violence workers in the pilot locations have been trained to inform victim-survivors about the new service, explain how it works, and provide them with support if they receive notifications.
Notifications will be available in 10 community languages common in the pilot areas, Arabic, Assyrian, Chinese, Hindi, Italian, Nepalese, Serbian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Urdu. Users can opt out at any time.
Together, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are taking action to give victim-survivors the information, support and confidence they need to stay safe and rebuild their lives.
The Commonwealth Government’s funding is through theFamily, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-30 Federation Funding Agreement.
For more information about DV Notify, please visit: nsw.gov.au/dvnotify
Federal Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said:
“The Albanese Labor Government is focussed on delivering real change, to break cycles of violence and keep women and children safe.
“This pilot is a positive initiative, and highlights the importance of keeping victim-survivors safe and informed.
“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.
“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.”
NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“The Minns Labor Government is working to build a safer New South Wales where every person can live free from violence and the fear of violence.
“DV Notify is about putting safety back in the hands of victim-survivors. Knowing when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody helps people make informed decisions, seek support, and put safety plans in place.
“This service has been co-designed with victim-survivors to ensure it is trauma-informed, culturally responsive and focused on real safety outcomes, connecting people directly to local, specialist support when they need it most.
“I want to thank the victim-survivors who shared their experiences to help us design a system that genuinely puts their safety first.”
NSW Attorney General, Michael Daley said:
“The NSW Government is listening to victim survivors and ensuring they have prompt access to information at every stage of the court process.
“The opt-out trial will provide an added layer of notification to ensure victim survivors receive real time updates about their alleged perpetrator’s custody status.
“DV Notify will help empower victim survivors as they seek justice and has been designed based on feedback from advocates.”
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“Police play a vital role on the front line of addressing domestic violence, empowering individuals, protecting victims and confronting the full spectrum of behaviours that define this complex issue.
“No one witnesses the heartbreak and harm caused by domestic violence more closely than our police who are more often than not the first to knock on the door.
“The launch of this digital service will only strengthen and streamline the critical work of police, giving faster, more coordinated responses when victims need it.
“The NSW Government is deeply proud of the extraordinary dedication of our police. We will continue to give them the best systems possible to increase their ability to protect, support and serve our communities.”
NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“Timely access to information is vital to keeping people experiencing domestic and family violence, safe. DV Notify is a great step forward to achieving that goal.
“DV Notify is an example of how governments can use digital technology to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:
“I am pleased to see the DV Notify pilot underway to address this problem.
“This new digital service will allow victim-survivors to know when their alleged perpetrator is being released from custody in real time, while also connecting them with local support services.
“This information will empower victim-survivors to plan for their safety with more confidence.
“Victim survivors have played a key role in helping to design the service to ensure that it is trauma informed and fit for purpose.”
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, NSW Police Force Corporate Sponsor for Domestic & Family Violence said:
“Victim wellbeing is our highest priority.
“This initiative ensures that victim-survivors are kept informed throughout every stage of the legal process—from arrest to sentencing.
“Importantly, they will also be notified when an alleged perpetrator is released from custody.
“The 12-month district trial will be followed by a comprehensive evaluation, and we are hopeful it will deliver meaningful benefits to those who participate.”
Sarah*, DVNSW Lived Expertise Policy Advisory Committee:
“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.”
*This victim-survivor of domestic and family violence is using a pseudonym to protect their privacy and safety.
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.
If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
Media Release: Attorney General, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
