Frequently asked questions

Victim-survivors can find answers to a range of questions about DV Notify. The answers will explain how it works, what to expect and where to get support.

Listen

On this page

The Police are there to help.

Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

If you are speech or hearing impaired - call the National Relay Service on 133 677.

Translating and Interpreting Service National provides telephone interpreters for individuals who need assistance with language translation. To use this service, you can call 131 450 and specify the language you require.

I have a question about how the messages work

When will victim-survivors get another message?

Victim-survivors will get messages whenever the perpetrator in their domestic and family violence matter is released from custody. These messages can be sent to victim-survivors at any time, day or night, in real time. The messages may be the perpetrator has been released from:

A NSW Police, Court or Corrections location
Without charge, on bail or at the end of the matter.

Why does the message say a perpetrator is being released from two locations?

Currently, in some cases DV Notify cannot confirm which location a perpetrator is physically in when they are being released from either a court location, or a prison location. Because of this, DV Notify will give victim-survivors the details of both locations so they can prepare for the perpetrator being released from either one.

What happens if there is more than one perpetrator in the domestic and family violence incident?

If there is more than one perpetrator in the domestic and family violence incident, then victim-survivors will get messages from DV Notify about each perpetrator. The perpetrators first name will be in the message so victim-survivors know which perpetrator the update is about.

The information in the message is wrong – who should victim-survivors contact?

If the information in the message is wrong, victim-survivors should contact their local NSW Police station or the NSW Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Will I still get messages if the perpetrator goes to jail?

Unfortunately, no. When a perpetrator receives an Intensive Corrections Order or custodial sentence and go to jail, victim-survivors will get another message from DV Notify with information and a link to register with the Victims Register. If victim-survivors successfully register with the Victims Register, they will continue to give updates about the perpetrator.

I have a question about who gets messages from DV Notify

What happens if the victim-survivor moves interstate or out of the pilot locations?

Once engaged with DV Notify, victim-survivors will continue to get DV Notify messages regardless of where they live in Australia.

Do victim-survivors that report sexual assault get notifications from DV Notify?

For the duration of the pilot program, DV Notify specifically only notifies victim-survivors of domestic and family violence related offences. This includes sexual assault that happened within the context of domestic violence. This means that DV Notify will send messages to victim-survivors in this case. However, if the sexual assault offence was committed against a victim-survivor with no domestic or family violence context, these victim-survivors will not be sent messages from DV Notify.

I have a question about where to get help

A victim-survivor is scared about the perpetrator being released, who can help them?

If victim-survivors are in danger, they should always call 000.

Victim-survivors can use the link in the messages to give them details about a range of support services that can help them. Some of the support services listed are open 24/7 and can help at any time. Other services such as Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service are only open during business hours. The opening hours are listed for each support service.

I have a question about how to update contact details

How can victim-survivors update their contact details with DV Notify?

If victim-survivors want to update their contact details with DV Notify, they will need to contact their local NSW Police station or the NSW Police Assistance Line on 131 444. DV Notify will then send a message to the victim-survivor asking them to choose the best contact (phone number or email) for DV Notify to send messages to.

Why are victim-survivors getting text messages and emails from DV Notify?

If victim-survivors gave NSW Police more than one phone number or email address, or if there are multiple already registered in the NSW Police system, DV Notify will send messages to all contact details available. If this happens, victim-survivors will get another message asking them to choose which phone number or email is preferred. After that, DV Notify will only send messages to the selected phone number or email address.

I have a question about how to stop getting messages

How can victim-survivors stop getting DV Notify notifications?

Victim-survivors can choose not to get messages by clicking the ‘opt-out’ link in the first message they receive. Victim-survivors can click on this link at any time for the duration of their matter as the link does not expire.

Can victim-survivors re-join DV Notify notifications after they have ‘opted-out’?

Unfortunately, no. DV Notify does not allow victim-survivors to re-join and continue to get messages once they have used the ‘opt-out’ link.

However, if the victim-survivor has another domestic and family violence incident in the pilot locations then they will get messages from DV Notify about that different matter. They can choose to ‘opt-out’ of those messages again if they wish.

I have a question about the program

Where can victim-survivors give feedback about DV Notify?

Victim-survivors can email dvnotify@dcj.nsw.gov.au with any feedback about their experience with DV Notify. If victim-survivors have questions about their particular matter, they will need to contact their local NSW Police station.

Will NSW Police still tell victim-survivors if the perpetrator has been released?

Yes, NSW Police will still let victim-survivors know when the perpetrator has been released from custody. NSW Police will also tell victim-survivors:

Bail decisions for domestic and family violence offences, including any applicable bail conditions

Information about the perpetrator and the status of the matter in court.

Why is the victim-survivor getting messages from DV Notify but they didn't report it in the pilot areas?

DV Notify will send messages to victim-survivors that experienced a domestic and family violence incident in the pilot areas (Liverpool PAC, Manning Great-Lakes PD, Orana Mid-Western PD), regardless of where they reported it. For example, if a victim-survivors reported the domestic and family violence incident at Fairfield NSW Police station and the incident happened in Liverpool PAC, then the victim-survivor will still get messages from DV Notify.

Quick Exit

Top