The NSW and Federal Governments are today launching a new digital service that is set to 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.
“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,” said NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison.
“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.”
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
“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,” said NSW Attorney General, Michael Daley.
“DV Notify will help empower victim survivors as they seek justice and has been designed based on feedback from advocates.”
The Government says 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.
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said the launch of this digital service will 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,” she said.
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.
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said she was pleased to see the DV Notify pilot underway.
“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.”
“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,” said Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, NSW Police Force Corporate Sponsor for Domestic & Family Violence.
For more information about DV Notify, please visit: nsw.gov.au/dvnotify.
