Domestic violence help on the line in the NT with minimum wage increase set to stretch budgets more

Women and children escaping tumultuous homes in a part of Australia with the highest rate of domestic violence may not get the help they need following this month's ruling to raise the minimum wage by at least $40 a week. Key points: Rates of domestic violence in the NT are growing, according to NTCOSS DV services are already stretched and struggling to provide critical services Current funding agreements are due to end next year and will need to be reviewed The Fair Work Commission decision sets the pay of at least 2.7 million Australians to keep pace with recent inflation spikes, but in the DV sector it means already tight budgets will be further stretched. "We work really hard in this sector, and we deserve a wage increase, but the real difficulty is that we are on five-year funding agreements and it's a flat line," she said. Family and domestic violence support services: If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 Lifeline: 131 114 The Northern Territory's peak body for the social and community sector is also calling on the government to shore up funding.