Front-line domestic violence workers have welcomed extra money to ease the strain on the ACT's crisis services but say sustained funding is needed to provide long-term support for victims.
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Tuesday's budget included extra funding for anti-domestic violence measures, including a boost to crisis services and education programs.
It comes after the strong calls from the sector for the government to urgently invest in longer-term supports for domestic violence victims, programs to change perpetrator behaviour, and respectful relationship education in schools.
Chief Minister and Treasurer Andrew Barr highlighted recent deaths allegedly linked to family violence in the ACT as he said $250,000 in extra funding would be split between the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Rape Crisis Centre and Canberra Men's Centre to help meet skyrocketing demand for help.
ACT public schools will benefit from $615,000 in new funding for "social and emotional learning programs" about the importance of respectful relationships and more support for children.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service executive director Mirjana Wilson said the funding increase meant a 10 per cent boost to the organisation's core crisis funding.
It would enable the service to employ the equivalent of two extra full-time staff and allow workers to answer calls to its around-the-clock crisis line and respond to police callouts more quickly.
"It's wonderful and it's showing that the government has acknowledged services have been stretched and has tried to fulfil its commitment to addressing the issue," Ms Wilson said.
"Whether it will be enough ... what would be enough? I don't even know how to answer that question."
Ms Wilson hoped the government would make the extra funding for 2015-16 "long-term sustainable".
She also would have liked to have seen more funds for ongoing support services and for women who stayed at home after domestic violence.
That could include funds for financial assistance, counselling for children and longer-term access to a support worker.
"I think that's an area that's critically short and often goes unnoticed.
"If you don't provide that ongoing support there's nothing to stop these women cycling through crisis."
YWCA Canberra executive director Frances Crimmins said the education funding highlighted the critical role of primary prevention.
Ms Crimmins said the programs would give children access to skills and resources they needed to understand respectful relationships.
ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner John Hinchey welcomed the boost to crisis services overall and said funding for Canberra Men's Centre highlighted the work they did to help men to change controlling behaviours.
Mr Hinchey also said funds to extend restorative justice processes to victims of all crimes committed by children and adults would have significant benefits for victims and their families.
He said the approach was "a strong motivator for people to change".
