Nova for Women and Children forced to cut back domestic violence and homelessness crisis service as demand far outstrips capacity

The domestic violence and homelessness organisation announced requests for help were "far outweighing the capacity" the service has, with more than 150 women across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie awaiting intake and allocation to a case worker.

The reduced service delivery, which has never happened before and will continue until at least December 20, means calls for help will be assessed on safety and shelter, with urgent requests provided "some level of support". Referrals not considered urgent will be offered access to the Newcastle and Charlestown drop-in hubs for information, referral and use of facilities.

Both hubs will be closed Tuesdays and potentially another day per week to those without an appointment. There will be no waiting list kept for crisis accommodation except for urgent needs. Responses to calls and emails for women seeking support may also be delayed due to staff capacity.

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Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said domestic violence services had "been running on the smell of an oily rag for years" and were telling her the workload was "unrelenting".

"Frontline workers have never felt less supported," she said. "They are exhausted and burnt out. Morale is low. The situation is dire."

Ms Claydon said domestic violence announcements in the Federal Budget were not enough, and this service cut was evidence of that.

"It's an awful fact but there aren't enough case workers to support the number of women who need help to escape violence," she said.

"The Morrison Government's announcement for increased funding for frontline legal centres and domestic and family violence support work still hasn't reached our frontline providers."

Ms Claydon will speak at a Hunter Workers rally at Civic Park today calling for the inclusion of 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards. The rally coincides with International Human Rights Day and the end of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Data shows that one in four Australian women have experienced violence from a current or former partner, and about two-thirds of women experiencing domestic violence are in paid employment.

"Too often survivors of domestic violence lose their jobs in the process of escaping because they do not have sufficient leave, at a time when it is more vital than ever they maintain their income and stability," Hunter Workers Women Committee's Leanne Holmes said.

"For just five cents per day, per worker, we can make an enormous positive impact than will save countless lives."

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