Housing Plus was awarded a state government tender to provide local support services to male domestic and family violence victims in Dubbo as well as Parkes, Orange, Moree, Walgett, Bourke and Broken Hill.

It had been feared the service would only support men at “serious threat” of physical harm and leave many to fall through the cracks.

But a Justice Department spokesperson said the service would provide “case management for all male victims” referred through Safer Pathway, the automatic referral system already in place for female victims.

“Case management support will be client-centred and determined by the needs of the victim,” the spokesperson said.

The service could also provide counselling and advocacy, as well as referrals and information regarding: housing; financial assistance; security needs; alcohol and other drug support; court support; legal advice; mental health services; family support; elder abuse support; or support for young people.

“Under Safer Pathway, NSW Police and Local Courts make automatic referrals through the Central Referral Point for victims of family and domestic violence,” the spokesperson said.

“NSW Police use a broad definition of domestic violence that includes victims experiencing verbal, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, intimidation, harassment, stalking, physical and sexual abuse, damage to property and telecommunications offences.”

The spokesperson said police used the Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool to establish if a victim is at “threat” or at “serious threat.”

“Referrals are responded to by a Centralised Coordination Point, where a further risk assessment is conducted, an immediate safety assessment is carried out and crisis referrals are made,” they said.

Housing Plus would also represent male victims at “serious threat” at new Safety Action Meetings, the spokesperson said.

The meetings would bring together government and non-government service providers to discuss “serious threat” client needs and recommend appropriate support services.

Housing Plus is set to begin its case management and representative roles upon completion of Victims Services NSW training in late November.

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.