October 18th, 2023Move to dispel family violence myths as recorded incidents rise

Victoria Police is urging the community to dispel commonly held beliefs about family violence and understand the realities, amid a rise in the number of incidents being recorded statewide.

Family violence is a crime that affects all communities and doesn’t discriminate, with police continuing to respond to a high volume of family violence incidents every year across the state.

Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show the number of family violence incidents has risen by 2.8 per cent in the year to June 2023.

There were 93115 family violence incidents recorded in Victoria. On average, a Victoria Police officer responds to one family violence incident every six minutes.

Family violence takes many forms and is not just about physical violence. It includes coercive and controlling behaviour, threats, intimation, isolation, financial control and psychological and sexual abuse.

There are many myths that are used to downplay the seriousness of family violence – such as that it’s a gender, class or culture issue – but this is not true.

Family violence occurs among all types of families, regardless of gender, sexuality, income, profession, culture, ethnicity, religious or socio-economic background.

Some myths suggest that if a person is in danger and hasn’t left the situation then it can’t be that bad. The fact is – there are many reasons that make it hard for people to leave and the risk of harm to the victim and their children is much higher after they leave the violent environment.

Family violence also affects children in many different ways. Seeing violent behaviour can have significant impacts on children, including potential consequences for friendships and relationships, as well as participation in social and community life.

Victoria Police has progressively specialised its response to family violence – in recognition of the risk and complexity that these incidents pose – and earlier this month issued a media statement calling on the community to understand the seriousness of the crime to help prevent it from occurring.

Police have established an enhanced investigative approach to family violence with the creation of 31 Family Violence Investigation Units (FVIUs), as well as enforce intervention orders to ensure victim safety and hold perpetrators to account.

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.

Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you. Victoria Police is here to support you.

Quotes attributable to Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway

“Family violence continues to be a significant source of harm to the Victorian community – with our frontline police continuing to respond to an increasing number of family violence criminal incidents every year.

“We’re urging the community to please dispel any commonly held beliefs about family violence and understand the realities, because it’s a crime that doesn’t discriminate and takes many forms.

“There is no single type of family violence incident. Family violence is also not just about physical violence, but also includes coercive and controlling behaviour, and demeaning comments.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence, please seek help from police or a support service. At Victoria Police, we believe you and we will take action to protect you and your loved ones.”