The Peel region has recorded a steep increase in family and domestic violence cases this year, with concerns the figures will surge further as the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its peak in the coming weeks and months.
According to figures from Legal Aid Western Australia (LAWA), there were 72 cases of family and domestic violence in the Peel region in the month of January.
This jumped to 87 in February - a 21 per cent increase.
And the figures are only expected to get worse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across the state, WA Police are already reporting an increase of 11 domestic violence incidents each day.
Experts fear Australia could follow patterns set in some of the countries most affected by the coronavirus crisis - including China where family violence incidents tripled in some regions.
The full extent of the rise in domestic violence will not be fully known for months, but it is likely the final figures will be concerning.
The close proximity and stress from the impacts of the virus can create a vulnerable environment for victims of abuse.
- Legal Aid WA family violence specialist Michael Hovane
LAWA family violence specialist Michael Hovane said self-isolation increased anxiety, fear, trauma and financial stress on abusers and their families
"The close proximity and stress from the impacts of the virus can create a vulnerable environment for victims of abuse," he said.
"We are now seeing abusers spending more time at home with their families, following working from home arrangements or job losses.
"Due to the isolation, victims are also more likely to be abused because they are now less visible to the community, and in many cases blocked off from other family support.
In an effort to provide help to the growing number of people in need, LAWA has increased its services and allocated additional resources to respond to family and domestic violence cases across the state.
Services have transitioned to telephone, online chat and video where possible and the capacity of the telephone Infoline has been increased, placing a high priority on family violence related matters.
Regrettably, family violence has increased, and is likely to keep increasing, due to the impacts of the virus.
- WA Attorney General John Quigley
To access legal help from LAWA, call 1300 650 579.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call police on 000 in an emergency or, for support services, call the free 24-hour helpline on 1800 007 339.
