WOMEN are being caught in a domestic and family violence "war zone", according to the manager of a Fraser Coast women's shelter.

In the 2013-2014 financial year 512 domestic violence protection orders were put in place by the Hervey Bay and Maryborough Magistrates Courts combined.

This figure is just the tip of the iceberg with an unknown number of cases going unreported or not making it to court.

The statistics come after Maryborough woman Karina Lock was killed by her ex-partner in shocking scenes at the Helensvale McDonald's on Thursday.

Yoorana Women's Domestic Violence and Resource Service manager Leonie Nord said in recent months the service had been noticing a concerning increase in the number of women looking for help.

"It's like women are in a war zone when they can't escape domestic violence," she said.

The shelter is part of a state-wide network which provides emergency accommodation for women from the Fraser Coast and across the state escaping violence.

Sometimes the women arrive at the shelter with little more than the clothes on their back.

Ms Nord was supportive of the state government's move to implement all of the 144 recommendations in Dame Quentin Bryce's Not Now, Not Ever report on domestic violence.

"We need some action right now," she said.

But Ms Nord said it was not only the government's responsibility to solve the domestic violence crisis.

"It is also the community that has to get on board as well," she said.

"(We also need) men to stand up and getting other men to stand against domestic violence."

The region's top cop Superintendent Mark Stiles echoed Ms Nord's sentiment.

"It's unacceptable," he said.

"It's a widespread insidious problem."

Supt Stiles said it was an issue his officers were confronted with daily, but by the community talking about and refusing to accept domestic violence, he hoped to see a change.

"My officers see domestic violence as a serious blight on our community," he said.

Supt Stiles said police would continue to work with local service providers to help keep domestic violence victims safe.

"If we can save one person from being a victim of domestic violence we have been successful but we have to do it together," he said.

How to get help

Triple 0 - for life threatening emergencies

DV Connect - http://www.dvconnect.org.au - 1800 811 811

1800RESPECT - http://www.1800respect.org.au - 1800 737 732

Lifeline - 13 11 14