Safety Measures has released two new reports highlighting how gaps in Australia’s domestic and family violence (DFV) data are limiting effective decision-making. Without a clear picture of the need for, availability and impact of specialist DFV services, demand will continue to outstrip supply, leaving women, children and others experiencing family violence without the support they need.
The reports argue that better measurement is not simply about collecting more data, but collecting better data, meaningful, ethical and grounded in context. Drawing on sector expertise, lived experience and existing evidence, they identify limitations in current data systems and show how stronger evidence could improve policy, funding and service-system decisions.
The message is clear, effective response to DFV cannot progress without knowing what is needed, what is working and where the gaps are. Better evidence can help direct resources where they will have the greatest impact and strengthen the systems designed to keep people safe.