November 24th, 2025Women and children at risk of family violence can stay in their homes

More Victorian women and children at risk of family violence will be able to stay safely in their homes thanks to an expanded initiative delivering urgent security upgrades.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins has announced a $2.7 million boost to the Personal Safety Initiative (PSI), funded through the state government’s Strengthening Women’s Safety Package.

The funding will enable six regions to trial a new Immediate Personal Safety response that speeds up access to practical safety measures for women and children experiencing family violence.

Victim-survivors often face the devastating reality of having to leave their homes to escape violence – losing connection to schools, communities and workplaces, and facing an increased risk of insecure housing.

The Immediate PSI response will change that by supporting them to stay safely at home, return home or safely relocate. The funding delivers essential security upgrades such as personal safety devices, video doorbells, technology sweeps, fences, sensor lighting and dash cams to help keep women and children safe.

Currently delivered by 17 PSI coordinators across Victoria, the PSI program works with registered security agencies to conduct security audits and recommend measures like CCTV and device screening for surveillance risks.

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