Increased funding for thousands at risk of FDV during COVID-19 highlights challenges for victims and service providers

On average one in six women experiences physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabitating partner*. Vulnerable women and children in forced isolation due to Coronavirus pandemic are potentially at even higher risk than usual. The announcement of dedicated funding of $150 million by the Prime Minister on Sunday evening will allow support to many more at-risk families during this highly stressful and high-risk period and highlights an important unwanted side-effect of attempting to minimise the spread of the virus.

"Domestic and family violence is likely to significantly increase due to social distancing, social isolation and the impact of job losses," says Sharon Grocott, Head of Research and Innovation at Interrelate.

Interrelate provides specialist domestic and family violence support through several centres around Australia, including in regional areas. Having successfully transitioned to online service delivery on 26^th March, Interrelate welcomed the Government’s initiative that will provide vital access to help during this heightened period of risk.

"The ability to service our clients through online platforms and via the phone was already in progress supporting families in remote areas," she says. “As the potential for restrictions on social contact became evident at the beginning of this crisis, we prioritised this service access across all of our programs to enable vulnerable and at-risk people access to vital support.”

Because of the necessary measures implemented to slow the spread of the virus, women and children will be more vulnerable as a result of being cut off from informal and formal support systems, exacerbating the risk of violence for women and children.

"During this period, we will be providing more support than ever before, checking in regularly with clients at risk. 

"In addition to the specialist domestic violence services support, we will be waiving the small service fee that is normally incurred for counselling services, ensuring that we are helping as many people as possible to navigate this difficult time safely.”

It is vital that people who are experiencing increased or new forms of family and domestic violence understand that there are services that are available to them, even at a time when they are unable to physically visit a centre.

“We can also help the victims of family and domestic violence by continuing to work with men who are using violence in their relationships,” says Eloise Neylon, Practice Specialist – Clinical Governance, Interrelate.

“We work closely with the perpetrators of this behaviour, helping them to moderate and adjust their approach to relationships, their families and their community.”

“It’s important that this work is able to continue even though we are disconnected physically from our clients,” she adds. “This waiving of fees will mean that those who have been financially affected through job losses or a reduction in work hours feel that they can still access counselling that will help them, without adding to their financial concerns.” 

Under the guise of COVID-19 perpetrators have many more opportunities to exercise power and control, for example by restricting access to essential items. 

With the potential for increased mental health issues such as substance abuse, suicidality, depression and anxiety, the resulting changes in behaviour can also pose a greater safety risk for others in close contact.

Anyone who feels at risk of abuse can visit the Interrelate COVID-19 page to download resources: https://www.interrelate.org.au/landing-page/covid-19. And, if they need face-to-face support online, they can request assistance via the website chat function or call 1300 473 528.

*ABS 2016 – included in Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019 Family, Domestic and sexual violence report 2019)

How those at risk can help themselves during isolation

·       Try and organise a ‘confidante’ outside of the home. Ideally someone like a work colleague or community member who you would be in regular contact with so as to not rouse suspicion

·       Stay engaged with children. Keeping them occupied with new and interesting activities will ease their boredom and potential impact on your relationship

·       If you are struggling to regulate your emotions and feel you may be at risk of harming your partner, reach out to a counsellor and organise strategies and techniques that you can implement on your own

About Interrelate

Interrelate empowers people to thrive in the most vital part of their lives – their relationships. We offer education programs, counselling services and skills development. We enable people to transform their relationships into ones that are centred on respect, and we enable people to transform their relationships. Our experienced educators empower more than 130,000 children and families through 1400 schools each year to navigate their way through bullying, puberty, sexuality and discovering healthy relationships. Interrelate has the acknowledgement of government, education and health authorities to provide relationship education in schools. You can read more about Interrelate’s relationship services for schools and families at www.interrelate.org.au