Domestic violence groups struggle with flood of calls

DOMESTIC violence support groups are struggling to cope with a huge surge in telephone calls this week as funding dwindles.

At least 500 calls are expected to be made to the Women's Aid national hotline over Christmas and the New Year.

The numbers calling the Women's Aid helpline increased by 26% overall last year but one-third of the 18,902 calls went unanswered due to lack of funding to hire more staff. Nearly 52% more calls were left unanswered last year compared to the previous year.