In short:
WestCASA is calling for more funding for sexual assault and family violence support services across Melbourne’s west. The organisation wants candidates to commit to greater investment ahead of the Victorian election.
Resource Boost Urgently Needed
The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault is calling on Victorian election candidates to commit to addressing what it says is a critical funding shortfall for specialist sexual assault services in Melbourne’s west.
WestCASA provides specialist support to victim-survivors of sexual assault across Melbourne’s western metropolitan region, including counselling, advocacy and other trauma-informed services.
The organisation says population growth across the west is increasing pressure on services, with victim-survivors facing barriers including long waitlists, workforce shortages and limited access to culturally safe support.
WestCASA says it is currently the smallest sexual assault service supporting Victoria’s largest and fastest-growing population, with more than 35,000 people across Melbourne’s western metropolitan region expected to be impacted by sexual violence in 2026–27.
Services Struggling To Cope With Demand
WestCASA CEO Annette Vickery said additional investment was needed to ensure services could keep pace with demand.
“The Victorian Government has an opportunity to make a meaningful investment now, before unmet need becomes greater, waiting lists become longer and the human and social costs of inaction become even harder to reverse.”
“WestCASA is calling on candidates to make a clear election commitment to address the critical funding shortfall facing specialist sexual assault services in Melbourne’s west.”
“Melbourne’s west cannot continue to grow without the services and infrastructure needed to keep its communities safe.”
WestCASA has acknowledged existing government support but says current funding does not reflect the population it serves or the growing demand for specialist assistance.
