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The national domestic violence helpline is set to receive a significant increase in funding to help it meet rising demand for its services.
This morning, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek shared on the Today show that the helpline managed 342,000 calls, texts, or video chats in the past financial year.
This marks a staggering 3000 percent increase compared to the 11,000 calls handled in 2010, the year the service was established by the Gillard government.
“Demand is growing year after year,” said Plibersek.
“We are committed to ensuring that we meet this demand and that this excellent service continues to fulfill its mission of supporting people during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
She said more than 90 per cent of calls to the service were picked up within 20 seconds.
”I’m never going to say that we are doing enough on family, domestic and sexual violence until we see no more family, domestic or sexual violence but this is a really important contribution and it’s important to acknowledge it because we’ve got thousands of frontline workers out there working really hard every day to help women and children who are escaping violence.”
The additional $41.8 million announced today, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, brings its total funding to $146.8 million until June 30, 2027.
The government has committed to support the service as part of its National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
The plan’s vision is to end violence against women and children in one generation.