CEO of Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan has expressed her concern over the future of domestic violence services in the state saying more needs to be done immediately to help victim-survivors and address wait times.
There was an announcement of a budget boost from the NSW Government, however, Ms Donovan believes it isn't enough and doesn't help those who need support now.
"Right now, victim-survivors in NSW are waiting up to two months for support," Ms Donovan said.
"Today's announcement does not change that.
"Of the $272.2 million listed for domestic, family and sexual violence services, we believe much of this represents the continuation of existing state and federal funding - not new investment," she said.
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"We await clarity from the NSW Government."
According to Ms Donovan victim-survivors deserve more than 'business as usual.'
"For over five years, we have consistently called for a 50 percent increase to baseline funding to enable frontline services to meet demand, retain staff and deliver safety and healing to those in crisis," she said.
"Yet, this announcement once again overlooks that urgent need."
She said though the peak body welcomes the introduction of new strategies and policies, they don't address the stress the current services are facing.
"Yes, we welcome the fulfilment of longer-term reforms such as five year contracts, workforce development strategy implementation and new data strategies," Ms Donovan said.
"These are important building blocks.
"But they don't address the reality that existing services are stretched to breaking point, operating on outdated funding models that don't come close to covering today's costs," she said.
"For too long, our sector has been expected to be grateful for small wins while carrying the weight of a growing crisis."
Ms Donovan expressed her frustration saying she believes the sector is historically overlooked, chronically underfunded and expected to do more with less.
"Today's announcement falls millions of dollars short of the funding we put forward, to respond to the scale and urgency of domestic and family violence in NSW," she said.
"It's vital to remember that justice responses are only part of the solution."
Ms Donovan explained that many victim-survivors may not or can not engage with the justice system.
"Often due to fear or mistrust," she said.
"And even when they do, they still need access to safe housing, financial support, trauma-informed services and practical help to stay safe and rebuild their lives."
According to Ms Donovan specialist domestic and family violence services are often the first and at times only point of support for victim-survivors.
"These services must be adequately invested in because in their absence, it's not a case of victim-survivors then turning to the justice system, it's more a case of them not seeking support at all," she said.
"We are urging the NSW Government to listen - really listen - to the voices of victim-survivors, and the frontline workers saving lives every day.
"We can't end domestic and family violence without adequately resourcing the services that are there from the very first call."
