Domestic violence victims get more support to end lease agreements without cost or penalty

Under the NSW government reforms, counsellors, social workers and psychologists will now be able to support victims of domestic violence in terminating their lease immediately and without penalty.

Riverina Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service manager Ann Jones said the change came as a huge relief.

"A lot of women we have supported in the past have been really concerned about leaving a home, thinking they might get black-listed or even that the perpetrator might damage the property if they leave because they'll be angry and retaliate," she said.

"Now, they will no longer have such an added stress around housing, and it also might even see more women presenting to women's refuges to seek support."

Linking Communities Network Deputy CEO Kirrilly Salvestro, who covers the Riverina region, said while the main aim was to improve conditions at home, that couldn't always be achieved.

"The ideal situation is to make people safe in their own homes, but if that can't be done, for someone to be able to get out and not have to pay to end their lease is great.," she said.

Prior to these reforms, only medical practitioners could sign off on a lease termination. Now, any registered health practitioner, social workers, child protection agents, domestic violence specialists and approved counsellors will be authorised to make a domestic violence declaration to end a tenancy.

"Leaving a violent relationship can be one of the most difficult and dangerous decisions a victim has to make," Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said.

"Under these changes we are increasing the options people have to get help safely."

A domestic violence declaration can be made using the form here.