Victims in Canberra are being left behind as the office of public prosecutions struggles to keep up with staff shortages, growing caseloads and operational demands, the police union has said.

The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA), which also represents ACT Policing staff, has called for immediate funding for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after its chief, Victoria Engel SC, voiced grave concerns on Tuesday.

Speaking to ABC radio, Ms Engel said the territory had "cognitive dissonance" when it came to expectations versus the reality of what her office was given to achieve justice for victims, especially in matters of family and sexual violence, which were on the rise.

Since the ACT doesn't have a police prosecution service like other jurisdictions, she said her s

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