To fix a problem, it's vital to first admit the full extent of the issue at hand.

This Royal Commission presents a chance for everyone to fully understand how deeply seated this issue is in the community.

We know it's bad - you only have to look at the statistics for proof of that.

But does the community fully understand how this issue impacts on society?

Victoria Police estimate divisional vans in Bendigo spend 85 per cent of the time attending violence cases. That's an incredible number of people directly affected by this issue on any given day and an enormous amount of pain and suffering.

It's estimated family violence costs $3 billion each year.

Family violence has no place in our society.

This Royal Commission is a chance to hear the truth about the extent of this issue from those most directly affected - victims, police and welfare agencies.

Their accounts will provide an excellent base from which to develop a plan to eradicate family violence. 

Then it will be time to act.