As footy teams across Victoria gear up for finals season, a different kind of preparation is underway in the state's domestic violence support services.

There, staff are preparing for an anticipated increase in calls for help as people fleeing family violence, including domestic abuse, seek support during the period.

The AFL grand final has traditionally coincided with an increase in rates of violence, according to Respect Victoria.

In 2023, western Victorian family violence support service Berry Street reported a 30 to 40 per cent increase in calls for help during that period.

Berry Street family violence senior manager Mandy Gambino said an increase was also seen during local football finals.

"As we get closer to the end of the football season, we sadly expect this to increase aga

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