Victorian Budget 2026-27: Funding held steady as family violence continues to escalate

The Victorian Government has reinstated crucial funding for family violence services in today’s 2026-27 State Budget, in what is a huge relief to the sector. Nearly $100 million in funding for family violence services was due to cease at the end of the financial year. 

“We are extremely relieved at this news,” said Christine Mathieson, Interim CEO of Safe and Equal. 

“This investment is welcome and takes a huge amount of immediate pressure off services and frontline workers. But unfortunately, it’s not enough to address the rising rates of family and gender-based violence in Victoria. Two years of funding leaves the sector in an insecure position,” said Ms Mathieson. 

According to Crime Statistics Agency data, there were 106,430 family violence incidents reported to police in 2024-25 – an 8 per cent increase from the previous year. 

“Specialist family violence services save lives. And yet all over the state, they are grappling with increased demand and investment that has not kept pace,” said Ms Mathieson. 

“More victim survivors are reporting, but without increased funding they won’t receive the help they need. We need long-term funding for services and for prevention in order to save lives and stop the profound harm we’re currently seeing.” 

Safe and Equal’s Budget Submission called on the Victorian Government to reinstate all lapsing funding, alongside increased long-term investment and certainty across primary prevention, early intervention, response and recovery. 

The submission also called for increased investment to support children and young people as victim survivors in their own right. Instead, this Budget prioritises punitive youth justice responses over dedicated resourcing for young people experiencing family violence. 

“We recognise that it’s a difficult economic environment at the moment, and that the government has a tough job, but family and gender-based violence only gets worse in times of crisis,” said Ms Mathieson. 

“The reality is that unaddressed family violence costs the economy so much more when governments fail to properly invest. We see impacts across health, education, justice responses and the workforce.” 

Safe and Equal will continue to advocate for a sustained, comprehensive approach from the Victorian Government, backed by the investment required. 

“All eyes will now turn to the Victorian election. The community has spoken – family and gender-based violence demands and deserves urgent, sustained action. We’re calling on every political party to step up with the leadership and long-term investment needed to deliver real change.”