An organisation addressing family violence is calling for more funding to help the sector respond to a backlog in demand building during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Earlier this month the Centre for Non-Violence revealed it had, at that time, more than 50 people waiting to participate in the men's behaviour change program.
The men's behaviour change program works with men to address their use of family violence, and understand how it affects their family members.
The state government earlier this year announced $20.2 million in funding for family violence services to meet demand during the pandemic.
"Services that have adjusted their response include men's behaviour change programs, and phone and online work with men who use violence has continued during community restrictions," a government spokesperson said.
"Early reports from services suggests men have engaged effectively with these changes and a review is also underway to understand the impact of these adjustments."
CNV received funding under the $20.2 million package, which chief executive officer Margaret Augerinos said would help women and child access safety.
But CNV client services general manager Yvette Jaczina said the organisation had not received additional COVID-19 funding for men's programs.
She said CNV was struggling with resources and extra funding was essential.
"Where we will have difficulty meeting the need we will triage based on safety, risk and need and provide a service based on our available resources," Ms Jaczina said.
"We also need to consider workforce capacity... Working with men who use violence with their families requires skilled and experienced workers and recruiting appropriate staff can be challenging."
The Victorian government did not answer the Bendigo Advertiser's question as to whether there would be further funding to help services manage demand once restrictions ease and regular operation resumes, but it is understood the funding already allocated was also intended to help services plan for during and after the pandemic.
"We're regularly monitoring demand for programs and pressure on agencies, to allocate resources accordingly, and this includes waiting lists and service demand for perpetrator programs," the government spokesperson said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, call the Centre for Non-Violence on 1800 884 292.
The Men's Referral Service provides counselling to men who carry out family violence, on 1300 766 491.
In an emergency, call 000.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
