There has been a steady rise in the number of family violence incidents reported in the last five years, analysis of the latest data from Crime Statistics Agency shows.
On average 76,000 incidents are reported each year, with an increase of eight per cent over five years. This data is based on the date when an incident is logged, and crimes are not always reported to authorities on the day they take place. This suggests that the number of incidents could be much higher.
The number of family violence incidents rises in the months of December and January with an average of one thousand more cases reported in each month compared to the rest of the year.
Alison Birchall, Interim Policy Unit Manager at Domestic Violence Victoria says the organisation sees a “spike in requests” for specialist family violence services and crisis support during the Christmas and New Year period.
“One of the ways we can make sense of this is that it is a time when traditional family values are emphasised and there is a lot of pressure to have an ideal family experience,” Alison says.
The data shows that if you are a female living in Victoria between the ages of 20 and 50 you are much more likely to be impacted by family violence.
Women and other groups face particular barriers in seeking and obtaining help; they include people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people living in rural, regional or remote areas.
During 2018 and 2019 there were a high number of incidents in Victoria’s regional and remote areas, with more than 3000 incidents reported in East Gippsland, Latrobe, Mildura and Swan Hill.
Even though the number of family violence incidents is on the rise, it may suggest that people are feeling more comfortable about calling for help.
There were over 200 recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2016. Improving the current systems, and building the structures to guide and oversee long-term family violence reform, are important components in tackling incidences of family violence.
If this story raises any issues for you, these services can help:
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 131 114
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277.
(Featured image: “Accentuating Form” by James Boock is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
