A government booklet offering advice to women on how to deal with recession-related domestic violence and discrimination from employers will be issued today, reflecting concern that women are to be worst hit by the economic crisis.

The 30 page document, Real Help Now for Women, published by the Government Equalities Office, is based on the premise that "women, especially those who are pregnant or work part-time, can feel particularly vulnerable during economic downturns". The document provides a summary of benefits already available, and details support groups women can call on if they feel their job or personal safety is threatened as a result of the recession.

Figures from the Metropolitan police issued in January suggested that there has been a slight increase in domestic violence in the past year, and the acting deputy commissioner, Tim Godwin, said police were looking at how stress in terms of lost jobs might create tension in families. The attorney general, Lady Scotland, has also warned that domestic violence will rise with increased financial worries. The government booklet devotes a section to the impact of the recession on divorce, violence and family tensions.

"Economic downturns can be difficult times for family relationships. Worries about finances can create additional tension and in some cases, where couples have already decided to part, problems over selling the family home can deepen tensions," the booklet states.

It goes on to say: "Women may face threats from violent or abusive partners." Information about the state-funded services on offer for victims are set out in the leaflet, with advice about when to call for help from the police. A separate report headed "Are women bearing the brunt of the recession?" published today by the Fawcett Society echoed the government's concern, warning that "women's social and economic circumstances make them particularly vulnerable to economic downturn". The campaign group for women's rights said there had been an increase in domestic violence referrals.

The government booklet lists details of advice centres that women who have lost their jobs can turn to, saying "it is unlawful for your employer to treat you less favourably because of your pregnancy or because you take maternity leave". Figures from the Equal Opportunities Commission indicate that even before the recession, an estimated 30,000 women a year were losing their job because they were pregnant or on maternity leave. Research released by the Equalities Office shows that 24% of men think that in difficult economic times it "makes more sense for people on maternity leave to be made redundant first".

Harriet Harman, minister for women and equality, is bringing together ministers, businesswomen, charities and working mothers at 11 Downing Street today to look at how women are being affected by the recession.