Di Bannister is the trainer for the Domestic Violence Response Training and said a lot of people don't realise domestic violence is not just physical and has many faces including financial, physical and emotional abuse.

"There are nine forms of domestic and family violence," she said.

Lifeline Mid Coast has reported an increased number of people who have been impacted by domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic.

A Port Macquarie resident, who didn't wish to be named, said she experienced domestic violence in her first marriage during the 70s.

"My first husband was a street angel and a house devil," she said.

The woman had also lived through domestic violence when she was growing up. Her father was the abuser.

"I nearly believed that's what relationships were like because I'd seen it in my own family," she said.

The woman decided to leave her husband when he hit her while she was holding their one-year-old son.

She believes she was able to leave because she didn't want her son to be exposed to family and domestic violence, like she had as a child.

It took the help of the woman's mother-in-law for her to completely break free of the relationship.

Mrs Bannister said the training will be vital in helping frontline community staff members to pick up on the warning signs someone might be experiencing domestic violence, even if the person hasn't recognised it.

A lot of people aren't willing to tell others they might be in difficulty.

"There's still shame and there's still embarrassment," Mrs Bannister said.

Mrs Bannister said it's common for people who are experiencing domestic violence not to tell their partner about certain topics, as they are afraid it might spark a negative reaction.

Lifeline course participants will learn how to approach people they believe are experiencing domestic violence and will receive advice on how best to help them.

The training is on from August 31 until September 1 and is a free course for health, allied health and community workers.

If you would like to sign up to the course, please visit www.dvalert.org.au

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