Victoria Police is urging people to dispel commonly-held beliefs about family violence and understand its realities, as incidents related to the crime increase.

Crime Statistics Agency’s latest data showed the number of family violence incidents rose by 2.8 percent in the year to June 2023. There were 93,115 family violence incidents recorded in Victoria. On average, a Victoria Police officer responds to one family violence incident every six minutes.

Family violence can be physical violence as well as coercive and controlling behaviour, threats, intimation, isolation, financial control, and psychological and sexual abuse.

Family violence command assistant commissioner Lauren Callaway said family violence did not discriminate.

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

“We’re urging the community to please dispel any commonly held beliefs about family violence and understand the realities. There is no single type of family violence incident.

“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.”

Victoria Police has established an enhanced investigative approach to family violence with the creation of 31 family violence investigation units, as well as enforcing intervention orders to ensure victim safety.

Police provide safety for victims who make a report and refer them to support services.

Support is available 24 hours through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au In an emergency call 000.

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