BY DAKOTA TAIT
The State Government is facing calls to take action, as rates of sexual assault and domestic violence climb in the Hunter.
According to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures, the Hunter Valley's seen a 39.8 percent increase in sexual assault incidence over the past five years, the highest in New South Wales.
The Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area saw an 11.3 percent rise.
Across the state, sexual assault rates rose by 14.3 percent, and domestic violence by 10.6 percent.
Charlestown MP and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison says the figures are deeply concerning.
She's calling on the NSW Government to put more money into the Sexual Violence Helpline, following revelations earlier this year, one in three calls to the service wasn't being answered.
