Women's groups say the domestic violence policies of both major parties fall short of what's required, as the housing crisis makes the situation worse.
Half a dozen domestic violence and homelessness support services in the NSW Hunter Valley have called for more to be spent on safe, temporary accommodation.
Crime data shows domestic violence in Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter were double the state average in 2021, and above average in Newcastle and Port Stephens.
"At least 2,000 social housing homes are needed immediately across the Hunter Valley for women and children fleeing violence, and that would be just a start," said Kelly Hansen from Nova for Women and Children.
Federal Labor this week pledged to build 4,000 homes nationally for women and children fleeing violence, and older women, and an extra $100 million for crisis accommodation.
The Coalition announced in its March budget $100 million for 720 new emergency accommodation projects.
No safe houses and nowhere to go
Ms Hansen said the housing crisis for people fleeing trauma could not be underestimated.
"The last two years have been horrendous, it is that bad. The problem with this is it was predictable, we knew what was happening and so we knew and weren't heard."
Marcia Chapman from Jenny's Place, a Newcastle based domestic violence resource centre, agreed.
"So until such time that someone has safe and affordable housing their lives are on hold."
Shame and guilt hampering reporting
Among the Hunter groups that called for action was the charity Got Your Back Sista.
Founder Melissa Histon said extra funding for crisis accommodation for people fleeing family trauma should be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
Ms Histon said domestic violence did not discriminate across the demographics, including "a lot of middle class women reaching out".
"Once I was having day surgery and when the nurse asked what I did she said to me, 'I had a wealthy husband and he was so physically violent towards me I couldn't tell anybody'.
"The nurse said 'I am going to slip my number into your bag and please if there is ever anything I can do to help please let me help you because I was too ashamed to tell anyone'."
Poverty phobia prompting victims to stay
The groups said they were also worried too many women were staying in unsafe homes, fearing poverty if they fled domestic violence.
Ann Fletcher from Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service said more safe housing was crucial.
"They say 'I am better off just going back because I can't live in this fear of not knowing where my head is going to lay tomorrow night'."
