Jane Hughes, coordinator at the Women's Resource Centre Bega (WRCB) explained that when crises occur within communities, an increase in DV presentation and an escalation of behaviours is usually seen.

"I think we can confidently say that our region was in crisis from the bushfires and didn't get an opportunity to return to 'normal' before the onset of COVID," Ms Hughes said.

"Requests for DV support, information or referrals for the January to July 2020 period, compared to the January to July 2019 period have almost quadrupled."

These statistics represent DV inquiries, requests for referrals or information, as well as direct assistance like safety planning.

"Some women really are just trying to establish whether what they are experiencing is DV and what supports are out there but might not yet be ready to take action or access support," Ms Hughes said.

"Generally, when there is a high level of crisis and anxiety within a community we see a follow-on rise in DV, because the primary driver of domestic and family violence is power and control.

"So whenever there are external events which compromise a perpetrator's sense of control, they compensate for this by increasing their controlling behaviours within the home.

"This will be being exacerbated by financial and employment instability and the extremely uncertain nature of what will be happening from day to day within our communities just now.

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"Pressures within people's homes have increased dramatically, particularly during lockdown periods."

Whether it be having to work from home, children being home schooled or worry surrounding financial strain, these elements have been shown to escalate the potential for "trigger points" and increase the risk for incidences of violence or abuse.

"In times of stress and pressure people will also often resort to using maladaptive coping mechanisms such as drug and alcohol use or gambling," Ms Hughes said.

"While this is never a cause of violence it is a factor which dramatically increases the chance that a perpetrator's behaviour will be triggered or will escalate.

"Specifically with respect to periods of lockdown, there is no getting away from the perpetrator and conversely the perpetrator is unable to remove themselves from the house if they become aware of an escalation in their own behaviour.

"This means increased opportunity for the perpetrator to exercise abusive or coercive control, reduced opportunities for the victim to leave or seek assistance, and sadly where children are involved, increased exposure and danger for the kids as they are not at school," Ms Hughes said.

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The Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) provides information, advocacy and referrals to assist women and their children who are, or have been, experiencing domestic and family violence, with their legal, social and welfare needs.

WDVCAS operates from Berry to the Victorian border.

The service recorded an increase of more than 29 per cent in requests for assistance from January to July 2019 to the same period in 2020.

In particular, WDVCAS noted a massive increase in referrals for accommodation support.

WDVCAS can also provide information and advice to people who don't want to identify themselves or a friend or family member and can be contacted on (02) 4476 5416.

WRCB offer workshops, referrals and resources. Find them online here or call (02) 6492 1367.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT.

For counselling, advice and support for men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, call the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.