By Alesha Capone
Women’s Health West says it is expecting to see a “spike” in reports of family violence as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The not-for-profit organisation provides services such as court support, crisis housing and case management to women and children who experience violence in Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Melbourne.
WHW’s chief executive Dr Robyn Gregory said: “Our expectation is that we will see a rise in demand over the coming months.
“Due to local and international research, we expect there to be a spike in family violence.”
Dr Gregory said reports of family violence often increased during times of disaster and emergency.
Dr Gregory said an example of this was research, conducted by the Gender & Disaster (GAD) Pod – a partnership of two Victorian Women’s Health organisations and the Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative – which found there was an increase of family violence reports made during and after the Black Saturday bushfires.
Dr Gregory said it was “absolutely normal” to feel out of control at a time when people were going into isolation, losing jobs and experiencing financial hardship, but that individuals could choose how they responded to such a situation.
“Violence is never acceptable in the home and a pandemic is not an excuse for violence,” she said.
Dr Gregory said it was important for those who needed assistance with family violence to realise they could still seek help, even under coronavirus regulations.
“Women’s Health West is continuing to deliver services to women and children who experience family violence, including gender-diverse and non-binary communities,” she said.
Dr Gregory said WHW was using phone calls, video-conferencing and online assistance to communicate with clients, when possible.
She said while many WHW staff were able to work from home, some employees – especially those involved with refuges and crisis accommodation – still needed to attend work in person.
“After hours, there still might be a time when women and kids have to leave home with absolutely nothing,” she said.
For support during business hours, contact Women’s Health West on 9689 9588. If you need support outside business hours, call safe steps on 1800 015 188.
