The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in domestic violence cases and with hospitals overwhelmed and the economy reeling, many are forced to return to their abusive partners.

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) services director Charlene Murray said the One-Stop Crisis Centres (OSCC) located at government hospitals are unable to extend the same degree of assistance as before.

The OSCCs are where domestic violence or rape survivors can receive treatment, collect medical evidence for legal purposes, lodge police reports, seek shelter and receive counselling services.

However, Murray said, with hospitals focusing on Covid-19, other non-critical patients are not allowed to be warded overnight and this has undermined the OSCC’s role as a temporary shelter.

“Unless someone comes in with injuries, most hospitals only provide basic treatment for OSCC patients and do not encourage them to stay overnight due to the risk of exposure to Covid-19.

“Many times when these women are turned away, they are...