New QR code cards in NSW combat technology-related domestic violence, services say

There are fears technology tracks victim-survivors through the NSW COVID-19 QR system. (ABC News )

Domestic violence services are urging victim-survivors across NSW to access alternative methods than QR codes when signing into venues over fears perpetrators are abusing the system.

As the state continues to grapple with a growing coronavirus outbreak, domestic violence services and police have seen an increase in demand for help.

CEO for Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan said among the concerns for victim-survivors of domestic abuse was the use of the state's QR code system.

There are concerns the NSW QR code system can be used to facilitate abuse against domestic violence victim-survivors. (ABC News)

"Unfortunately, technology-facilitated abuse has been perpetrated against survivors by the fact that they were checking into supermarkets or essential services," Ms Donovan said.

In response to the concerns, the service lobbied the NSW government, the Education Department's E-Safety program, and Service NSW to come up with solutions, with a new QR code card now a possible answer.

"You can now get a QR code card through the post or by email and you can now check-in safely through that system," Ms Donovan said.

Delia Donovan says Domestic Violence NSW lobbied to get alternative options for victim-survivors. (Supplied: Domestic Violence NSW)

In a statement, Service NSW said it had worked hard to make its system as secure and accessible as possible.

"There are a number of alternate check-in methods available," a spokesperson said.

"Customers can manually complete the business web form upon arriving at a venue, or have the business scan their COVID-19 check-in card which will auto-populate the web form for them."

Police checks increase

Police have also been ramping up operations to target domestic violence in homes across the state as the NSW lockdown continues.

On the NSW South Coast, police officers conducted more than 500 domestic violence checks in the past few weeks, which Superintendent Greg Moore from South Coast Police District said was the highest in the state.

"The analysis of domestic violence assaults since the start of the operation is showing that they're well down from the same period last year. So, that's pleasing. But we know that we can always do more."

Police say they are ramping up their domestic violence operations across the state. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

Program manager for Staying Home Leaving Violence in the South East, Jenna McDonald, said services were well equipped to deal with current lockdown restrictions, but feared it might be harder than last year.

"We're just trying to make it work, do what we can, and adapting where we can."

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact the 1800 RESPECT National Helpline on 1800 737 732.