Ms Jodie Harrison MP, Member for Charlestown and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, has today called on the NSW Government to step up support for the vital NSW Sexual Violence Helpline as one in three calls are going unanswered.

The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is a service operated by Full Stop Australia with funding from the NSW Government, providing 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault, family or domestic violence.

In a pre-Budget submission, Full Stop Australia has called for $923,701 in additional core funding over 4 years to cover operational costs and meet increased demand for the Helpline services.

“Sexual assault is the fastest growing reported crime category in NSW, increasing by 6% each year over the last five years,” Ms Harrison said.

 “The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is at the front line of supporting victim-survivors, receiving 14,089 calls and online contacts last year.

“Unfortunately, at current funding levels, 29% of calls to the Helpline were unable to be answered. That means almost one in three people who are reaching out for help aren’t able to access assistance through the Sexual Violence Helpline.

“This isn’t because the amazing people who work at the Helpline don’t want to help—it’s because they are simply overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who are looking for help.

“Today, I’m calling on the Government to ensure that every person who reaches out to the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is able to access its much-needed support.”

Full Stop Australia CEO Hayley Foster says it is "heartbreaking not being able to answer every call when people need us". 

“When people are at their most vulnerable, it's vital that an expert counsellor is available any time of day to support and guide them through the difficult times,” Ms Foster said.