YOU are not alone, the region's specialist domestic and family violence response service wants those in need of help to know.
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It comes amid concerns about a drop in the number of calls to support services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Centre for Non-Violence chief executive Margaret Augerinos said the silence was telling.
"We have seen fewer calls, but many of those coming in are in the high-risk category, which means women are not in a position to be able to reach out for the help they need until they are in crisis," Ms Augerinos said.
"We want to reach those women before the abuse or violence escalates."
She said the conditions created by the pandemic meant perpetrators were changing their tactics and women had limited opportunities to make calls or access services away from their abuser.
Many women would be drawing on their own resources to keep themselves and their children safe while they were all at home, Ms Augerinos said.
"We know it takes courage to seek help if you are living in fear," she said.
"We can talk to you about a range of options to help keep you safe."
"You might need to prepare a safety plan, which could include a list of emergency contacts, identifying a safe place to go, having a support person you can call and use a code word with, checking your online security or preparing a bag with important documents such as medication, money or keys."
She said some women might be able to create a plausible reason to leave the house or wait for their partner to fall asleep before calling.
They should always try to call from a room with an exit.
"We want women to know we are here and they can talk to us about what is happening," Ms Augerinos said.
The Centre for Non-Violence is starting an advertising campaign to reinforce that women experiencing violence are not alone.
Ms Augerinos also encouraged men who were worried about their behaviour to contact the Centre for Non-Violence for support.
"The only way we can change behaviour is to address the drivers of violence against women and children," she said.
"Violence is about power and control and is caused by attitudes that excuse or condone violence, limit a person's decision-making, adhere to rigid gender roles and disrespect women."
It was also important people found ways to stay connected with those they knew were at risk, Ms Augerinos said.
"Someone living in an abusive relationship might stop communicating during this time or when speaking with you they might be anxious or express concern about their partner becoming angry," she said.
Strategies to help could include listening without judgement, not making excuses for the abuse, not questioning their choices, helping the person prepare a safety plan and, in an emergency, calling triple zero.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact:
- Centre for Non-Violence: 1800 884 292
- Safe Steps family violence crisis response line (24-hour): 1800 015 188
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
In an emergency, call 000.
