More support for leaving violence in Broome and the West Kimberley
The Albanese Government is strengthening support for victim-survivors of intimate partner violence in regional Western Australia, investing $2.8 million to extend the Leaving Violence Program Regional Trial in Broome. This extension will provide 300 additional financial support packages for people leaving intimate partner violence in Broome and surrounding communities, helping more victim-survivors to build a safer future.
For many First Nations women in regional and remote communities, access to culturally safe support can be the difference between remaining in a violent situation and finding a pathway to safety. That is why this Regional Trial is delivered by the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service, ensuring victim-survivors can access support through a trusted Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that understands local needs.
Eligible victim-survivors can access a financial package of up to $5,155, including a cash payment of up to $1,500 and the remaining funds in goods and services. We recognise that leaving violence is one of the most dangerous and difficult decisions a person can make. That is why the program also provides risk assessments, safety planning and referrals to other specialist services for a period of up to 12 weeks.
Since the Regional Trials commenced on 1 July 2025, more than 1,000 victim-survivors have received support across the four Regional Trial locations in Carins, Darwin, Dubbo and Broome. The 12 month extension of these trials reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring First Nations victim-survivors in regional and rural communities can access support that is culturally safe, when and where they need it.
The Regional Trials also align with the Government's commitment under Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026–2036. This joint 10-year plan is helping us to create stronger and safer communities across Australia, where First Nations women and children can live free from violence.
More information on other investments to keep First Nations women and children safe can be found on the Department of Social Services website. (link is external) Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek: “I’d like to first acknowledge the courage it takes to leave an environment of violence, and encourage those in a violent relationship to reach out for support, especially in these regional areas.
“No person in our country should be forced to live in an environment that compromises their safety or their agency, and this expansion of the program will allow hundreds of vulnerable Australians to take that first step into a brighter future. “By providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support, we can empower victim-survivors within our First Nations communities to regain safety, stability, and control over their lives and wellbeing.
"Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices is about delivering real change for First Nations women, children and families. “Thanks to the extension of this trial, more women will be able to leave violent intimate partner relationships safely and with dignity.” Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy: “We are committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led organisations to support First Nations women and children escaping family violence.
“Extending the Leaving Violence Program in Broome means more First Nations women and children in remote communities can access the support they need. “By providing financial assistance and safety planning, this program is about supporting victim-survivors to leave unsafe environments. “The Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service is doing vital work, providing culturally safe support to those who need it.” Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney: “No woman should have to choose between her safety and her financial security.
“For too many victim-survivors, financial insecurity can be the reason they stay in a dangerous situation. The Leaving Violence Program is about turning that around. “We know First Nations women are experiencing violence at disproportionately high rates, and that seeking help in regional and remote communities can be challenging due to distance, limited services and a lack of culturally safe support options.
“That's why community-led services like the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service are crucial. By meeting local needs and providing support people can trust, they’re saving lives and protecting women from further harm. “There is still more work to do, but every person supported through the Leaving Violence Program to leave violence safely is a powerful reminder of how our investments are making a real difference in people’s lives." _________________________________________________________________________________________ If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au (link is external) for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au (link is external) MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au (link is external) Feeling worried or no good?
No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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