One year after the tragic death of Molly Ticehurst, and the release of the NSW government’s Emergency Package, domestic violence services are beyond breaking point, according to new research. New data from Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) revealed that 96 per cent of specialist domestic and family violence services* reported a spike in demand. But with no baseline funding increase, organisations say they are collapsing under the weight of need. Across metro and regional NSW, specialist domestic and family violence services report waitlists stretching for weeks to months. Some services have had no choice but to close their books altogether while trying meet demand, they said. Delia Donovan, CEO of DVNSW said without an increase to funding, the reality is dire for victim-survivors and the sector as a whole. “These services are the frontline responders to the domestic violence crisis. It’s like sending a paramedic to a major emergency with just one ambulance – forced to make impossible choices about who gets help and who is left without life-saving support,” the said. “We need proper resourcing for victim-survivors and the frontline services – investment that ensures every person at risk, has somewhere safe to turn.” The data highlighted that systemic issues can’t be fixed through temporary injections of money and program expansions alone. Advocates have called for a meaningful and long-term investment in baseline funding in the upcoming NSW budget, to show a serious shift towards ending violence in the community. “For years now, a baseline funding increase has been our top priority budget ask. More than ever, it’s needed to keep frontline services running and ensure women and children escaping violence have somewhere to turn,” Ms Donovan said. “Ending domestic and family violence requires real investment, because failing to act is costing lives.” Services represented in the data include Staying Home Leaving Violence programs, crisis and refuge support, Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy services, case management, leaving violence support programs and counselling services. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call the Domestic Violence Line (NSW) on 1800 65 64 63. The national counselling service for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence can be reached on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732.) The number for Lifeline is 13 11 14, with a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line, 13YARN, available on 13 92 76.
