Family violence crisis response and support during coronavirus

With more people staying at home to reduce the community spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), there is an increased risk for people, particularly women, experiencing family violence or abuse.

Some people may be experiencing family violence for the first time, while for others dealing with current financial and social pressures, the situation may escalate.

Family violence can include emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical or sexual violence, and coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include abusers restricting your movements, access to communication technology or isolating you from friends and family.

Despite the current challenges living under COVID-19 restrictions, there has been a prompt response from the family violence sector to this changing environment. Help is available, with services enabling people to access vital support and safe housing during isolation.

The number of family violence victims seeking urgent assistance with the Eastern Domestic Violence Services (EDVOS) has almost doubled in the weeks since stay-at-home restrictions began, according to the organisation’s acting CEO, Liz Billings.

“We know that in times of crisis, family violence can escalate, and we already have evidence of this locally. We are committed to ensuring that women and children experiencing family violence remain supported during this time,” Ms Billings said.

“Our role is to support the many women, including LGBTIQA+ communities, children and their pets, who are responding to any form of family violence, whilst also ensuring that we continue to protect the health and safety of our workers by complying with government directives,” she said.

“At this point in time we are maintaining a service for women attending our service unexpectedly who need face-to-face counselling and support, and for material aid. We are performing these services with set COVID-19 risk assessment protocols in place for face-to-face interactions and outreach work, ensuring all required safety measures are taken,” Ms Billings added.

With some social restrictions set to ease in Victoria from this week, the ability for people to seek help will become less difficult, however it is anticipated demand for services will also increase.

“As a result of Australia’s response to COVID-19, the demand is rapidly growing for our services that enhance safety, provide emotional support and material aid. The number of people reaching out to the assessment and response team has nearly doubled in the past few weeks. EDVOS is prepared for this increase in demand and will maintain strong levels of engagement with clients, with no increase in waiting times,” Ms Billings said.

EDVOS is the primary family violence service for women and their children who live or work in the eastern metropolitan region of Melbourne and who are currently living with or have experienced family violence.

Councillor Rob Steane, Chair of the Maroondah Community Safety Committee, said every person had the right to feel safe in their own home.

“We understand social isolation and physical distancing is extremely difficult, but there is never an excuse for family violence,” Cr Steane said.

“If you feel your safety is at risk, don’t hesitate to seek help, there are supports available for you. If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 000 for help,” he said.

The impact from the coronavirus pandemic has seen a surge in the number of domestic violence cases reported in Australia, a pattern that is mirrored around the globe.

Of the estimated 7,000 calls relating to family violence made to Victoria Police in the past month, 14 per cent related to COVID-19, according to the state’s deputy police commissioner, Shane Patten.

Police will also be reaching out to victims of assaults more regularly and through different channels to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Ms Billings hopes the message that domestic abuse is never okay is heeded by potential abusers as well as for those at risk.

If you are a man (or know someone) who would like to seek support or advice around your behaviour, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

EDVOS support is available by calling 9259 4200 or via email, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm and Saturday, 9am to 5pm (closed only on public holidays). You can also follow

If you choose to use a social media platform, make sure you use a safe device (one that isn’t accessible to the person who is making you feel unsafe). You can find out more about making devices safe on the

For anyone who requires immediate help, statewide support is available by contacting Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188, or in an emergency please call police on 000.