Victoria Police is putting family violence perpetrators on notice this Christmas as new data shows a rise in offending across the festive season.
Crime Statistics Agency figures show during December last year there were 8668 family violence incidents recorded across the state – an average of 279 incidents per day.
On Christmas Day alone the average increased by 33 per cent with 372 family violence incidents recorded.
The most common form of family violence recorded on Christmas Day related to perpetrators breaching orders – with 91 offences recorded, as well as assault – with 79 offences recorded.
Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said sadly for some people Christmas isn’t a time for celebration, so it’s important for the community to look out for loved ones experiencing, or at risk of experiencing the crime, to report it to police so perpetrators can be held to account.
“Our frontline police are continuing to respond to increasing reports of family violence each year – with a spike occurring on Christmas day.
“While Christmas is a time to get together and celebrate – we know it’s not always the case for some families – as perpetrators use the time together to control or harm family members.
“Whether it’s perpetrators breaching orders by either attending the victim’s home or using technology to make contact or committing assault – the behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“That’s why we are continuing to work tirelessly to track down perpetrators and keep victim-survivors safe – arresting one family violence perpetrator every 18 minutes across the state.
“This festive season we will also continue to conduct proactive patrols and checks to let perpetrators know they won’t get away with it.
“We need perpetrators to stop their harmful behaviours and to understand the significant impacts of their actions on their family.
“If you are concerned that your behaviour is putting the safety of family members at risk there are services to call who can help you to change.
“Maybe making that call is the best gift you can give your family this Christmas.
“We encourage Victorians to come together this festive season and look out for the signs of family violence, as families and communities, so that we can keep everyone safe.”
Victoria Police is committed to responding to all forms of family violence, keeping victim-survivors safe and holding perpetrators to account.
If you or someone close to you discloses they are a victim of family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a specialist support service.
Police not only provide safety for victims who make a report, they also refer them to support services, so they get the assistance they need.
Victoria Police works closely with specialist family violence support services, including Safe Steps and No to Violence, state-wide and will continue to do so throughout the festive period.
Support for those affected by family violence is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au. Safe Steps also has Web Chat available on weekdays from 9am – Midnight, which can be accessed by visiting safesteps.org.au/chat.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour – No to Violence runs a Men’s Referral Service which helps men who use violence to change their behaviour and can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
Organisations and professionals working to end family violence can access information and training through Safe and Equal by emailing admin@safeandequal.org.au
For more information on what Victoria Police is doing to protect victim-survivors of family violence visit police.vic.gov.au/family-violence.
