Rural women say a special scheme should be set up to stop people around the country suffering in silence at the hands of abusive partners.

A group of 21 women’s bodies have urged the Federal Government to introduce specialised family violence “teams” in regional areas.

They say domestic violence is a “hidden disaster” in many towns.

Groups such as the Country Women’s Association of Australia and National Rural Women’s Coalition are calling for a funding model to back domestic violence services similar to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, operating on a case-by-case basis.

They will present their plans in a report to the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Michaelia Cash, next month.

“If we say domestic violence is hidden, which it is, (then) it is a hidden disaster in rural areas,” the report says.

“A funding model based on a case-management approach which uses nationally co-ordinated, regionally based family violence teams that are integrated with existing agencies would be considered ideal.”

They also want lessons for rural women and girls to learn “emotional and psychological resilience” so they can identify violent behaviour before it happens.

Kathy Bensted, former president of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, said the conversation about stopping domestic violence has been slow to start in regional areas.

“I see a lot of the male councillors in rural areas who are traditionally farmers or older gentlemen that probably don’t see the way domestic violence runs in their community,” she told News Corp reporters.

“I’m tarring people broadly with a brush here but that’s maybe why we’re finding it very hard to combat domestic violence — where it is hidden.”

Smaller rural populations often leave women feeling uncomfortable about reporting abuse, in cases their family or friends would find out, the advocates say.

“Maybe there is a need for a central service ... A woman could be going to get her breast checked but it could be she needs help with domestic violence and she’s not going to be castigated for seeking help and refuge there,” Ms Bensted suggested.