Thank you for walking beside us through another year of meaningful change.

Behind every number is a story of resilience.

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to thank my JSC teams, our clients, partners, donors and the community for walking beside us through another year of meaningful change. Together, we’ve supported 26,872 people; 19,669 through our domestic and family violence and legal services, and 7,697 through advocacy, and education programs; an overall 21% increase from last year.

Behind every number is a story of resilience. Of women, children, and families finding safety, hope, and justice. Every day we receive feedback about the impact our work is having on people’s lives. Only a few days ago we received this message from a client:

“Through all the challenges I have faced, the unwavering support from my caseworker has made an immeasurable difference in my life. Their advocacy and care have helped me regain a sense of safety and hope, even when the system felt overwhelming and indifferent. My family and I are deeply grateful for the continuous assistance and understanding I have received, which has allowed me to focus on rebuilding my life and looking towards a safer future.”

Our teams have achieved extraordinary outcomes in a year that has also brought major legislative reform. We welcome the NSW Government’s new Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders, designed to protect victim-survivors from high-risk offenders, as well as the increase in the standard non-parole period for intimate-partner homicide from 20 to 25 years. Reforms to property settlements and rental laws also mark important progress toward safety and fairness for victim-survivors.

While there is still much to do, these steps reflect what’s possible when communities and governments work together for change. To every person who has supported our mission this year, thank you. You will see through our annual report featured in this news and through the articles from each of our teams, together we are successfully building a future where every person has equal access to justice and freedom from violence. Ours is a hard-working sector, and we encourage everyone to take a well-deserved break over the holiday period.

A year in the rear

This year at Justice Support Centre has been one of growth, impact, and collaboration across every division. From our Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services in Sydney and South West Sydney, who walked alongside thousands of women and children to ensure safety and justice, to our expanding Domestic and Family Violence Casework team now in Homebush and supporting over 1,000 families with financial, practical, and emotional assistance.

Every team has strengthened the pathways to empowerment and hope.

Our Legal Team continued to drive innovation and advocacy, expanding community partnerships and pro bono services to enhance access to justice across South West Sydney.

Together, these achievements reflect a united commitment to safety, inclusion, and justice for all, grounded in compassion and the belief that lasting change begins with support and connection.

Annual report showcases another year of
impact and advocacy

We’re proud to announce the release of our Justice Support Centre 2025 Annual Report, showcasing another year of impact, advocacy, and growth across South West Sydney and beyond. In 2024/25, our services reached thousands of individuals and families seeking safety and justice:

• 26,872 people reached as clients or through education and advocacy- 21% increase from FY2024

• 19,669 people reached through our DFV services

• 6,975 people reached through community education and advocacy 

• 1,742 people supported by our Legal Services. 

This year also marked innovation and expansion across our teams where we strengthened legal capacity, delivered over $128,000 in debt relief through financial counselling, and reached over 130 participants through legal community advocacy events such as Fairfield Conversations.

“The 2024/25 year marked a period of growth and innovation for our team,” said Melanie Noden, CEO. “These results reflect our collective commitment to safety, justice, and empowerment for women and children.”

Welcoming strengthened legal safeguards for DFV survivors 

We welcomed the law reforms that were implemented this year because of advocacy on our (and other CLCs’) behalf.

New non-parole period
In 2025, the NSW Government introduced landmark reforms to better protect victim-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV). Among the most significant changes are the new standard non-parole period of 25 years for the murder of a current or former intimate partner - up from the previous 20 years.

Tougher bail and monitoring laws
Under the Bail and Other Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence) Bill 2024 and associated regulations, alleged serious DFV offenders who are granted bail must now wear electronic monitoring devices (ankle-bracelets) and be subject to GPS tracking.

Coercive control a criminal offence
The reform package also addressed coercive control (now a criminal offence) and expanded the use of Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO) mechanisms allowing courts to impose long-term, tailored restrictions on high-risk perpetrators.

These changes mark a pivotal moment in over two decades of law reform, signaling a clearer commitment to victim-survivor safety, accountability and prevention. The ripple effect is clear: every three minutes someone in Australia experiences DFV, and these laws aim to reduce that tragic toll.

Sources:

1 https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/media-releases/2024/electronic-monitoring-to-increase-protection-for-victim-survivor.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2 https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/building-a-safer-nsw-tougher-sentences-for-intimate-partner-homicide
3. Communities and Justice+2City Hub+2

Rebecca’s* journey to safety

Rebecca* was initially referred to us by a Family Relationship Centre (FRC) for family law advice concerning the division of property in her marriage.

During our consultations, she disclosed enduring physical and psychological domestic violence from her ex-partner, with whom she continued to reside. Recognising her vulnerability and urgent need to relocate, we promptly advised her about her rights under the Victims Services Support (VSS) Scheme.

We assisted Rebecca in applying for the Immediate Needs Support Package (INSP), successfully securing the maximum grant of $5,000 (including rent assistance and home security), which enabled her and the children to escape to safe and secure accommodation.

*Name changed to protect privacy

Deepening our collective learning

This year, one of the most meaningful initiatives has been leading our Wellbeing Strategy; shaped by what we heard directly from our people through the PAW survey and focus groups. Listening to everyone’s experiences and ideas was a real highlight. Their honesty and insight have helped us design initiatives that truly support wellbeing across all teams, not just for now, but for the long term.

We’ve also deepened our collective learning. Every staff member and manager took part in cultural awareness training, reaffirming our shared commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Today, 7% of our team identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and we’re grateful for the ways their leadership and perspectives continue to shape our culture and service delivery.

Professional development remained a strong focus, with staff building capability in areas such as Leadership, Vicarious Trauma, Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Respect at Work.

As one team member beautifully said, “I chose to work here because I wanted to be part of the change... and I saw in this team a place where that kind of work happens every day.”

It was also a privilege to be the official charity partner for the Women in Leadership Summit; a powerful reminder of how shared stories and connection can inspire action and growth. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue rolling out our Wellbeing Strategy, Crucial Conversations training, and new initiatives that strengthen leadership, cultural capability, and our ongoing culture of care, respect and inclusion.

Juliane Scuteri, People & Culture Manager

If you or a client needs help during the holiday period

Help is always available 24/7. If you or someone you know needs support,
please contact:

In an emergency:
 📞 Triple Zero (000) — for police, fire or ambulance assistance.

For domestic and family violence support:
 📞 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – 24/7 national counselling, information and referral service.
 📞 NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) – for women experiencing DFV needing safety planning, accommodation, or counselling.

For legal support:
 📞 LawAccess NSW (1300 888 529) – free legal information and referrals.

For housing and homelessness support:
 📞 Link2home (1800 152 152) – available 24/7 for emergency accommodation and homelessness services.

For mental health support:
 📞 Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
 📞 Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – 24/7 mental health support.

Please take care of yourself and those around you — help is only a call away.

Acknowledgement of Country

Justice Support Centre proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, the Cabrogal Peoples of the Darug nation, the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora Nation, as well as the Tharawal and Gandangara Nations. We acknowledge their continuing connection to the land, waters and community and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples.