Camden Council is encouraging residents suffering from domestic violence to seek support with many local services still available to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local services and support available include:

• Domestic Violence Liaison Officer at the Narellan Police Station on 4632 4499;
• Services local to the Macarthur area at www.sayno2dv.org.au;
• Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 656 463;
• Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service on 4640 7333;
• Benevolent Society on 1800 077 760;
• Community Links Wellbeing on 4683 2776;
• Lifeline on 13 11 14;
• 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732;
• DV Line on 1800 65 64 63; and
• Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

Camden Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee convenor, Tanya Whitehouse, said it was important for women to not suffer in silence during self-isolation periods.

“We receive direct referrals from the police and those numbers have actually dropped but I think women suffering from domestic violence are at more risk now with their partners at home with them now,” Ms Whitehouse said.

“I think it is important for women to know that if it is not safe to contact a service, they need to possibly think about contacting a family member or friend and asking them to contact local services on their behalf.

"Our service is business as usual, we continue to help women that want to plan to leave their partner due to domestic violence and help them find alternative places to live, however we do not have face to face meeting at the moment.”

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said any resident in danger should contact the relevant authority or assistance line as soon as possible.

“My message to anyone experiencing domestic violence or any form of abuse is quite simple – help is available to you with so many services still open for you to use,” Cr Fedeli said.

“It is never acceptable for someone to be violent and it would be horrendous to be in isolation with an abuser.

“Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison recently announced Google searches for domestic violence have increased by 75 per cent in the country.

“We are here to help anyone who is suffering from any form of abuse. Reach out to one of our local services or if you don’t feel you can, reach out to a friend who may be your saviour.”