Understanding the New Support Service DVSAT

This month we will be introducing the revised Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT) to our members. Following the 2019 evaluation of Safer Pathway, Legal Aid NSW has been working to redesign the DVSAT for support services. The new Support Service DVSAT went live on 2 June 2025 for the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (WDVCAS) and Local Support Services. The DVSAT will be more broadly integrated across the sector from September 2025.

DVNSW is pleased to welcome Fiona Quigley from Legal Aid NSW who will be presenting on the redesigned DVSAT and what it means for frontline service delivery.

The DVSAT has been developed to help service providers consistently and accurately assess the level of threat faced by domestic violence victim-survivors. Using a common tool across services promotes a shared understanding of domestic violence, its indicators, dynamics, and consequences.

Why this matters:
Accurate and consistent threat assessment enables services to:

• Tailor support to meet individual needs

• Prioritise responses for those at greatest risk

• Take early action to prevent escalation of violence

Please note:
The Support Service DVSAT is only for use in domestic violence threat cases. A domestic violence threat refers to any threat to a person’s life, health, or safety due to the commission or possible commission of a domestic violence offence.
This tool is not investigative - it is designed solely to assess the level of threat to victims.