While Limestone Coast locals welcomed a return to eased coronavirus restrictions ahead of schedule this week, troubling information about the effects of hard lockdowns on welfare has been revealed.

The six-day ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown, enforced to arrest community transmission of the coronavirus across the state to potentially save lives – would have confined most South Australians to their homes during the period.

Community welfare organisations revealed the conditions could have driven an increase in referrals for domestic violence and in substance misuse.

“We would not expect a huge increase necessarily in incidents, but rather lockdowns or shutdowns make it much more difficult for victims to leave, seek help and get support,” Centacare Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service manager Susie Smith said.

Ms Smith said Centacare had expected a potential increase in referrals, as families confined to their homes were less able to enact safety plans and stressful situations could be exacerbated.

However, while conditions of lockdown imposed during the pandemic can increase the potential for abuse, she said violence was never an acceptable answer.

“We want to be really clear that lockdowns are not an excuse or reason for violence,” Ms Smith said. “Perpetrators make a choice to use violence in the home. The responsibility sits squarely with them.”

She added in the case of people fearing domestic abuse, the key message was if it is unsafe at home it is okay to leave.

In July, the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) released the findings of a national survey on the prevalence of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report showed in the three months prior to the survey, conducted in May 2020, 4.6% of the 15,000 Australian women who responded to the survey experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former cohabiting partner, while 5.8% experienced coercive control and 11.6% reported experiencing at least one form of emotionally abusive, harassing or controlling behaviour.

Two-thirds of women who experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former cohabiting partner since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic said the violence had started or escalated in the three months prior to the survey.

The findings of the survey came alongside the announcement of an additional $3m in Commonwealth funding for services that support women and children experiencing family violence.

Meanwhile, the misuse of alcohol and illicit substances during lockdown conditions has been noted.

Substance Misuse Limestone Coast project officer Sophie Bourchier said as people were confined to their homes they reached out to friends and family more often through digital means.

“People may also be feeling more anxious or depressed than usual,” she said. “Try to keep a routine, get up at the same time, have a shower, something to eat and try to maintain a routine. It will be different, but it will help.”

Headspace Mount Gambier community liaison worker Nick McInerney said the mental health service was expecting to provide added support to people during the then six-day lockdown.

“We know in the service that young people and families have been impacted by COVID-19 in lots of different areas of work and study and family relationships,” Mr McInerney said.

“As a service we’re always prepared for people to be going through tough times, but especially now we are ready to take on people that will be in extra need at this time.”

If you or someone you know is in trouble or needs someone to talk to, support is available at Headspace Mount Gambier on 8725 0443, beyondblue’s coronavirus mental health wellbeing hotline on 1800 512 348, the Domestic Violence Gateway hotline on 1800 800 098, the Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service on 1800 817 421 or Lifeline on 131 114.