DOMESTIC violence services are braced for a surge in numbers as COVID-19 stay home rules continue.
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Tamworth Family Support Services (TFSS) expects new clients to come forward and the severity of family violence to increase as frustrations grow with families stuck at home.
With victims trapped at home with perpetrators, it opens up a whole world of new challenges for services, TFSS manager Lynda Townsend said.
"We can only imagine it's going to become a problem," she said.
"A loss of employment, no escape from a partner, limited access to social supports are contributing factors to a predicted increase.
"Those safety mechanisms we would normally be able to use when someone has independent time are a bit compromised, we are doing the best we can to be tech-savvy to stay connected with our vulnerable women through things like social media platforms."
At the moment TFSS receives daily referrals for women who need domestic violence services and triage those people dependent on severity.
The Tamworth Women and Children's Refuge is still at capacity, but an additional $150 million in federal government funds for domestic violence services is expected to help.
The funds will allow TFSS to place women and children escaping domestic violence into temporary accommodation measures.
The city's domestic violence rates have remained stable in the last quarter, Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data shows.
Police are ready to deal with violent offenders and will maintain the targeting of high-risk offenders to ensure compliance with Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO's).
At this stage there has been no marked increase in domestic violence, Oxley Police District commander superintendent Kylie Endemi said.
"We're well equipped, I've said it before, we stand strong, we're ready to respond to anything that may emerge throughout this pandemic," she said.
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"DV is a focus for us, it always is, but particularly now we are well-equipped with sufficient resources and strategies, including prevention strategies to make sure we combat that."
Those who are at risk can call TFSS. People who are in immediate danger should contact police on Triple Zero (000).
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
