Family violence spikes over the holidays: Victoria police are putting perpetrators on notice

According to Victoria Police, Crime Statistics Agency figures show 8668 family violence incidents recorded across the state during December last year — an average of 279 incidents per day.

On Christmas Day alone, the average increased by 33 per cent, with 372 family violence incidents recorded.

Individuals and families can experience increased stress over the Christmas and new year period.

According to experts, factors such as emotional and financial stress over the holidays aren’t the underlying cause of family violence, but along with things such as alcohol consumption they can exacerbate existing patterns of violence and control in relationships.

In addition, safe spaces such as work and school are closed during the holiday period.

The most common forms of family violence recorded on Christmas Day were perpetrators breaching orders, and assault, police said.

“Our frontline police are continuing to respond to increasing reports of family violence each year — with a spike occurring on Christmas Day,” Victoria Police Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said.

“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.”

Command Assistant Commissioner Callaway said Victoria Police continued to work to track down perpetrators and keep victim-survivors safe.

“This festive season we will also continue to conduct proactive patrols and checks to let perpetrators know they won’t get away with it,” she said.

“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.”

As of Wednesday, August 21, 46 women had allegedly been killed in violent incidents across the country, many of them as a result of domestic and family violence, according to Counting Dead Women Australia.

The tally for 2023 showed 64 deaths last year due to violence against women in Australia.

Support for those affected by family violence is available 24 hours a day.

Find support 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 to midnight, which can be accessed by visiting safesteps.org.au/chat

Confidential information, counselling and support can also be accessed through calling or texting 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

For those concerned about their 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 000. If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.