A number of domestic violence services in the Peel region have expanded their services as concerns cases of family violence could surge due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, the Mandurah Mail reported a steep increase in family and domestic violence cases in the Peel region so far this year.
According to figures from Legal Aid Western Australia, 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 spike further as the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its peak in the coming weeks and months.
Thankfully, key organisations equipped to handle a possible escalation of domestic violence in the Peel region during the lockdown have adapted their services to meet both increased demand and government-imposed restrictions.
Local groups providing vital legal advice, support and crisis accommodation, including OVIS Community Services and Peel Community Legal Services, have changed the way they operate and deliver services to continue to assist clients.
History has shown that during periods of crisis, the risk of domestic violence escalates as perpetrators seek to maintain a sense of power and control in their lives.
- OVIS Community Services chief executive Dawn Smith
OVIS Community Services - formerly Pat Thomas House - said they were also prepared to take on any new clients in need of support throughout the pandemic.
Mandurah's primary family and domestic violence service, OVIS offers vital post-crisis support, refuge, early intervention and community education programs.
Chief executive Dawn Smith said there was "always high demand" for domestic violence services in the Peel region.
"Some homes are not a safe space. They are a place of abuse, violence and neglect," she said.
Ms Smith added that she hoped domestic and family abuse did not surge as a result of the coronavirus crisis, but said some kind of increase could be anticipated.
"History has shown that during periods of crisis, the risk of domestic violence escalates as perpetrators seek to maintain a sense of power and control in their lives," she said.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant change in everyone's lives and has created economic and health uncertainties - all of which could spur an increase in violence and abuse.
"For some, self-isolation raises the risk of being abused, the risk of being controlled and the risk of being hurt."
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OVIS has adapted their services to adhere to government guidelines, provide support and improve accessibility during COVID-19 - and said they would continue to "review the demand" for such services.
"OVIS is focused on ensuring the safety of our staff, clients, and community partners and suppliers and has made changes to how we operate," Ms Smith said.
"OVIS opened up our phone lines to offer information and support to anyone experiencing family or domestic violence in the Peel region.
"We know for many people this an unsafe time. We would like to encourage those people to ring our service for support they may need.
"OVIS also asks friends, neighbours and colleagues who are concerned about someone to please reach out in whatever way you can to offer support. Everyone deserves a safe place to live."
Ms Smith said the pandemic had also taken a financial toll on the not-for-profit organisation.
"Fundraising events have had to be cancelled which means less funds so if you are in a position to give, we would be so appreciative," she said.
"Monetary donations can made through our website and we have practices in place for safe giving of other donations. Please phone ahead if you have something to donate to women and children in need.
"We recognise these are difficult times for everyone.
"We will come out of this stronger - stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger country."
The team at Peel Community Legal Services (PCLS) have also adapted their operations to continue to offer free legal advice and advocacy to vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Peel region throughout the pandemic.
The community legal centre has been running an initiative to help stop family and domestic violence at the source since January.
Chief executive Kathleen Johnson said PCLS had "made every effort" to maintain the availability of their services - even if it was in a modified way.
"In these COVID-19 times, we have been forced to provide our service via phone but have maintained the same number of appointments available to the community," she said.
"Our lawyers and advocates are working from home but will arrange face to face office meetings with all precautions met if necessary."
In these COVID-19 times, we have been forced to provide our service via phone but have maintained the same number of appointments available to the community.
- Peel Community Legal Services chief executive Kathleen Johnson
Ms Johnson said the Sutton Street office also helped Mandurah residents with a range of other legal problems, but family and domestic violence was one of their biggest issues.
"Each year we have approximately 1100 clients attend the service for advice about legal and tenancy issues and, in normal circumstances, we also travel to Pinjarra, Waroona and Byford to offer outreach services," she said.
"Two of the biggest issues we deal with are family law and family and domestic violence and we work closely with other organisations including OVIS Community Services to provide services to their clients.
"We have regular outreach scheduled to these organisations and have emergency appointments available for women presenting at these organisations if they need immediate assistance."
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.
