Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams announced more than $20 million funding on Monday.

The funding will increase capacity for intervention and behaviour change programs, provide short-term and long-term accommodation options for perpetrators and boost funding support for family violence service providers.

Family violence support services in Ballarat have reported an increased demand for help since the coronavirus pandemic began.

"There has been a 30 per cent increase in our referrals coming from the police, so absolutely any additional resourcing is welcome at this point in time," Berry Street Western senior manager family violence Denise O'Dowd said.

Berry Street Western program manager family violence intake and after hours Nicole McCarty said calls for help had increased during this stage of lockdown compared to the first lockdown implemented earlier in the year.

"This time in the second stage of lockdown we are seeing that people aren't waiting," she said.

"We are seeing an increase in women calling us saying 'we are in a car, we have already left, we can't stay any longer'.

"We are seeing an increase in contact with families we haven't seen come through the system before.

"This time around I think there is more of a panic in how long is this going to last, that feeling of we can't stay in this environment, we have to go now."

RELATED COVERAGE: Services want you to know family violence support is available

Data shows the Men's Referral Service has reported an 11 per cent increase in calls in Victoria compared to last year.

Child and Family Services Ballarat chief executive officer Wendy Sturgess said the organisation had seen a 'huge demand' for men's emergency accommodation and longer wait lists for men to enter family violence programs.

"Removing men from homes so their family can stay there safely is critical at the moment. Lockdown has created a pressure cooker environment for a lot of families," she said.

"The pressures are making it harder for some of these people to stick to their strategies to keep themselves and their families safe. It is a good thing when perpetrators of violence are saying 'help me to manage' during this time."

RELATED COVERAGE: Rise in family violence risk amid COVID-19

Central Highlands Integrated Family Violence Committee principal strategic advisor Jess Cadwallader said she welcome the funding as intervening with perpetrators was key to keeping victims safe.

"One of the things that is interesting about this particular funding is there is a preventative aspect to it, so people who believe they may be at risk of using violence may be included in this program," she said.

"That is exciting because it enables early intervention."

The state government funding will also boost programs dedicated to support adolescents using violence.

Ms Williams made clear on Monday leaving home for family violence reasons was allowed under Stay at Home restrictions and those who do would not be fined.

Support services remain available, including in Ballarat. You can contact safe steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or webchat safesteps.org.au/chat Monday through Friday, 9am to 9pm.

Anyone concerned about their own behaviour can contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

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