Australians are shutting themselves inside in a bid to stay safe from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but for some, home is not a sanctuary.

Experts are warning the threat of family violence may loom larger than ever because of increased financial stress and victims being forced into closer proximity with their abusers.

Already, searches for help with domestic violence in Google and other search engines have risen by 75% to the highest point for five years, the Federal Government says.

Professor Kelsey Hegarty, a GP and director of the Safer Families Centre of Research Excellence, who is based at the University of Melbourne, spoke with Lydia Hales on practical ways GPs can help.