Currently one in three calls to the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline go unanswered due to lack of funding.

An elected Labor Government will provide an additional $923,000 per annum to ensure every survivor of sexual violence can access 24/7 state-wide trauma specialist support.

In the last year over 4,000 calls to the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline went unanswered due to lack of funding. Despite this rising demand, there has not been a real funding increase in over a decade.

Full Stop Australia CEO, Hayley Foster, thanked NSW Labor for their significant commitment to support survivors of sexual violence in NSW.

“We thank NSW Labor for their commitment to ensure every survivor of sexual violence in NSW can get the support they need when they need it,” Ms Foster

“In particular we thank the Shadow Minister for Women and Prevention of Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, who has been committed in her advocacy for sexual assault survivors across NSW to have access to the support they need, when they need it.”

“This commitment will mean that every survivor of sexual violence in NSW, no matter their location, age, gender or ethnicity, can get the same access to free, confidential, 24/7 trauma specialist support.”

“The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline is not a luxury – it is an essential service.”

“We warmly welcome a bipartisan approach from the Premier and his Government to ensure every survivor of sexual violence can get the support they need.”

NSW Labor have committed to providing an additional $923,701 in additional core funding per annum to cover the wages of an additional 25 counsellors. This will ensure that every call to the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline can be answered.

NSW Labor have also committed to providing an additional one off funding investment of $467,670 which will improve access to sexual violence services in priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability, migrant and refugee women, children under 15 and people from the LGBTIQA+ community.

Prue Car, NSW Labor Deputy Leader said:

“The services Full Stop Australia provide to the NSW community are invaluable and we are proud to support their ongoing efforts, particularly the support they provide through the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline.’

“It is hard enough as it to make the decision to reach out and ask for help – it us unacceptable for no one to pick up at the other end when you do make that call.”

Jodie Harrison, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault said:

“It is important that victims in NSW feel they are heard and supported and that simply cannot happen if there is no one on the end of the phone to listen.”

“This is an important first step in NSW Labor’s commitment to supporting both victims and providers in this state.”