Words like 'unexpected' and 'unprecedented' have permeated the year, as our community has moved from bushfires, to managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ ALSO: Goulburn attracts new businesses

While these words may feel overused and a little tired, we know we too are feeling the effects of the year's challenges. For some, this year has been a wake-up call for just how easily we can find ourselves in a time of trouble, and for others already doing it tough, it has compounded existing challenges such as mental illness, homelessness or domestic and family violence.

While many of us are winding down for a well-deserved holiday, it's a devastating reality that issues such as domestic and family violence don't stop for the festive season.

Recently we marked White Ribbon Day, along with 16 Days of Activism against Domestic and Family Violence. Mission Australia, along with other sector organisations, this month met together to reinforce our commitment to ending gendered violence, particularly in rural and remote communities.

It is unacceptable that domestic and family violence remains at such high levels in Australia.

Domestic and family violence is the main reason women and children leave their homes in Australia and is consistently one of the most common reasons clients seek Specialist Homelessness Service assistance (AIHW 2019-2020).

READ ALSO: Man and woman escape injury in two-car collision

Nationally, there was an increase of around 2,800 specialist homelessness services clients seeking assistance for family and domestic violence compared with 2018-19.

At Mission Australia in Goulburn, we work with approximately 30 families at any given time through the year who present with domestic and family violence as the main reason they are seeking help.

We are pleased to partner with Anglicare and the Hume Police District, who do significant work in providing domestic and family violence support to our community.

In a year where we have seen growing numbers of people seeking help for these challenges - we want to thank frontline staff for how they have persevered with compassion and dedication.

We know from previous years that instances of domestic and family violence can increase during the summer break, as families spend more time together and relationship issues and financial pressures can escalate. COVID-19 has caused an increase in the frequency and severity of domestic and family violence.

Which is why we are very concerned about a rise of incidents this Christmas period as couples and families grapple with financial strain, alcohol misuse or mental illness that have been exacerbated by 2020's challenges.

Our essential services will continue to be available for those needing support over the Christmas and New Year period. If you or someone close to you is experiencing domestic and family violence, we encourage you to seek help.

We also know that combatting domestic and family violence requires a whole-of-community approach. We need to change the conversation in our homes, communities and workplaces to reinforce gender equality and respectful relationships.

All levels of government should also fund specific primary prevention strategies to address the underlying drivers of violence and all forms of abuse, and prevent any resulting homelessness. There is also an ongoing urgent need to provide support and safe homes for people escaping domestic violence, so they're not pushed into homelessness when leaving violent situations.

READ ALSO: Goulburn Mulwaree welcomes newborns of 2020

We continue to encourage the people and organisations who do crucial work strengthening families and supporting those doing it tough every day in our community. Throughout 2020 we have seen many stories of resilience, and we look forward to a period of re-building and replenishment.

Organisations like Mission Australia are ready to support people in need at this time of year, but we do rely on the generous donations of supporters to be able to meet requests for help.

If you'd like to give a gift to children, young people and families in need this Christmas, head to our website and donate to our Christmas Appeal: www.missionaustralia.com.au/christmasappeal

Help is available during the holiday period, and we encourage anyone in need of assistance to reach out through the contacts below.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.