Drug-fuelled domestic violence on rise: centre

Methamphetamine use has contributed to a worrying escalation of the severity of violence against women in the home, according to Lucy Saw Women's Refuge Centre chief executive Anne Moore.

Mrs Moore said the use of weapons during drug-fuelled attacks had become more prevalent.

"Partner violence is about power and control - we have found that perpetrators using meth are also using weapons like baseball bats, hammers, anything they can get their hands on," she said.

"We are also finding … the drug is affecting a higher percentage of families - women are using it as a coping mechanism."

Department for Child Protection and Family Support director general Emma White said drug and alcohol abuse, and family and domestic violence were two of the most common reasons for children being referred to the department.

Ms White said when DCFS received notification about a concern for a child because of illicit drug use by the child's caregiver; the department would assess the situation and develop a safety plan with the family and other support networks to keep the child safe.

"When the child's safety needs cannot be met by the family, the child will be taken into care," she said.