For the first time in NSW, male victims of domestic and family violence will receive dedicated support, NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward announced today.

“As part of a record investment in domestic and family violence prevention, the 2016-17 Budget included $13.3 million over four years to make it easier and faster for men and boys to get help when they need it,” Ms Upton said.

“From this month, the Men’s Referral Service (MRS) pilot will provide a centralised service for all male victims of family violence to connect them with specialist, local support.”

In 2015-16, NSW Police identified 3,700 male victims as being at serious threat and referred them to Victims Services for support, as part of the Safer Pathway program.

“This roll out means even more victims across the state will receive coordinated help and support to free their lives from violence,” Ms Goward said.

“Under a Liberal-National Government record investment, victims no longer have to shop around to get the services they need, nor will they have to re-tell their story to a multitude of government agencies.”

MRS has been established as a Local Coordination Point to assess male victims and refer them onto local support services set up in 48 locations throughout the State.

Consistent service delivery across the state for all victims despite gender, age, or sexual orientation is a vital part of the pilot.

The Men’s Referral Service is uniquely qualified to deal with the impact of domestic and family violence, with specialist expertise in recognising and managing perpetrator behavior, and the ability to refer victims to the best and safest local support service.

The pilot will be evaluated by the Department of Justice as part of the Safer Pathway program.