THE Schoolkids Bonus has started rolling into back accounts and Rose City parents are being urged to ensure they use the money wisely.

The payments are designed to help parents send their children back to school with the appropriate books, uniforms and equipment.

Chair of the Domestic Violence Strategy Group said if used as intended, the payments could ease the financial stress that some families endure at this time of year.

Mrs Bonney said domestic violence often peaked at this time of year due to the financial pressures of Christmas and back to school and the payments could reduce violence-related incidents.

"People need to make sure they are looking at it that it can allay the huge burden that families sometimes feel," she said.

"That pressure can certainly mount and is certainly one of the things that can affect a relationship if it has a leaning toward domestic violence."

Mrs Bonney said a child who returned to school without the right books, clothing and equipment could feel inferior to their well-prepared peers.

"Parents should really be looking at utilising it specifically for the uses it is there for because the kids are the ones who will suffer at school if they don't have the right things," she said.

"It would be tempting to spend the money on other things but it is important the kids come first."

A woman who works with families at a local school said she was optimistic the majority of people would do the right thing with the money but said only time would tell.

Need help?

For help with domestic violence phone:

• dvconnect on 1800 811 811
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800