Centre for Non-Violence chief executive Margaret Augerinos said while the sector saw some short-term investment as a result of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and COVID-19, there was no increase in long-term case management funding.

"Whilst it's fair to say there has been an increase in investment, some of the things we are finding is that investment is not always directed in some of the priority areas that specialist services would identify," she said.

Ms Augerinos said short-term funding models did not allow for sustainable business models or planning to address increased demand on services - and regional areas required particular attention.

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She said the sector also needed to listen to the voices of experts about where resources should be prioritised.

Ms Augerinos also called for an end to short-term funding and pilot projects.

"To be able to commit to long-term funding cycles instead of a budget cycle would be helpful," she said.

"We are concerned about the funding model that exists doesn't really take into account the complexity of the rural environment we work in.

"Or the fact that there are additional costs incurred in delivering services in rural and remote communities."

Ms Augerinos said short-term funding solutions did not take into account the significant costs for services provided outside of Bendigo.

She said costs included paying rent for work spaces, company vehicles to commute to appointments and travel time.

"Other areas include ongoing case management support for women and children and more targeted resources for children," she said.

"As well as additional support to really engage in some of those critical violence initiatives that need to happen in our communities."

Possible implications as a result of short term funding may include difficulty reaching victim survivors in vulnerable positions according to Ms Augerinos.

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"We know how difficult it is for victim survivors to reach out and seek support," she said.

"Whilst we do our best to respond to every person who calls into the service for assistance, for many women a telephone-based response is not the best response.

"When you're going through a situation where you're feeling at risk, live in a small community and you need to see someone face-to-face, telephone or telehealth based responses aren't always the most appropriate response."

Ms Augerino said for some women face-to-face meetings were not available.

"To have the ability to perhaps go to your local worker in your community health centre and be introduced face-to-face with a specialist family violence worker would really support better outcomes for some people," she said.

"It is a difficulty and something we are aware of and do work very hard to engage women across the region."

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Ms Augerino said CNV, together with its peak organisation Domestic Violence Victoria, was putting submissions to the state government calling for long-term and appropriate funding.

"Funding that reflects the true cost of delivering services but also has some flexibility worked into it to enable us to develop localised and tailored solutions."

The 24-hour statewide safe steps family violence crisis response line is 1800 015 188, Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491, in an emergency call 000.

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