An investment in combatting family and domestic violence

1 DECEMBER 2025

ReINVEST set out to do something different.  Led by researchers from UNSW, University of Newcastle and University of Sydney and with support from the NSW Government, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, this study used robust methods to examine whether a simple medication could help reduce violent behaviour in men convicted of serious offences and found that for those convicted of domestic violence offences there was a significant benefit.

CSNSW was involved in the initiation of this project, its execution and the write up of the study’s findings that have now been published in the prestigious journal Lancet eClinical Medicine*. Community Corrections played a crucial role referring appropriate individuals under community supervision to participate in the study.

The trial tested sertraline, a common antidepressant on volunteers comprising men convicted of violent offences - including domestic violence - who were highly impulsive. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, men taking sertraline were 21% less likely to commit domestic violence over two years, and those who stayed engaged saw even greater benefits.

Sertraline works by increasing serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood and reduce emotional volatility. By stabilising mood, it can lower impulsivity and aggression.

“The house became peaceful quiet instead of terrified quiet. That might not sound like much, but after ten years of fear, it was everything.”  Partner of trial participant

But medication alone wasn’t enough. Wraparound support was critical, not as a substitute, but as a complement to the drug. Researchers found that addressing homelessness, addiction, and trauma kept men engaged and amplified the medication’s benefits.

ReINVEST built a comprehensive support model that included trauma-informed care, proactive outreach, help navigating services, partner safety planning, and a 24/7 crisis line. Clinicians met participants where they were, stayed engaged even when contact was difficult, and helped them access housing, employment, and health care.

“We couldn’t ignore someone’s homelessness while asking them to take medication regularly. Everything was connected.” Lead Clinician

The results show that combining medication with tailored support can break the cycle of violence. ReINVEST helped men stay engaged, reduced violent behaviour, and created safer homes, at a fraction of the cost of incarceration.

“Corrective Services NSW is pleased to have played a key role in this groundbreaking study. We believed in ReINVEST from the start because it offered a smarter, evidence-based way to tackle domestic violence. Our staff worked hard to keep participants engaged, and seeing the real change this program delivers - safer families, stronger communities - makes us incredibly proud.” Luke Grant, Deputy Commissioner, Corrective Services NSW

By backing programs like ReINVEST, CSNSW is proving that real transformation is possible - and that safer communities start with smarter solutions.

*Butler, T., Akpanekpo, E. I., Knight, L., Robledo, K., Greenberg, D., Ellis, A., … Schofield, P. W. (2025). Sertraline to reduce recidivism in impulsive violent offenders (ReINVEST): a randomised double blind clinical trial. eClinicalMedicine, 90, 103668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103668