University of New England researcher Gina Dillon released research revealing 26 per cent of women from rural and remote areas report partner abuse. 

24 per cent of women in regional areas reported abuse.

Only 20 per cent of women living in metropolitan areas reported abuse.

WRISC chief Libby Jewson said woman in remote areas were more vulnerable to risk factors that could contribute to higher rates of family violence.

WRISC provide outreach to four regional local government areas surrounding Ballarat. They are Golden Plains, Pyrenees, Hepburn and Moorabool.

“(Women in those areas) seen to be at a great risk, because of (lack) of proximity of services and being in close-knit communities,” Ms Jewson said.

“For women in farming communities there is an added financial risk (if they leave).” 

Ms Jewson said WRISC was working hard to provide services in all areas and provide services in all local government areas and provide outreach support.

“(The support) in these areas is not like what you get here,” Ms Jewson.

The organisation is currently training council workers and staff in these areas to identify signs of domestic violence.

Ms Jewson said the key was ensuring vulnerable women had access to trained people who they had developed a close and trustworthy relationship with. 

Dr Dillon used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health to determine that 21.6 per cent of women reported having been in a violence relationship with a partner.

Berry Street manager Gayle Correnti said women in isolated areas often faced more upheaval if fled violent relationships. 

“There are also issues like the choice of a lawyer might be limited, or they might have relatives who work in the services,” Ms Correnti said.

“The best thing to do is put ourselves in their shoes … and provide them with the services (they need).”