They also show a significant jump in the number of breaches of family violence intervention orders - the very orders designed to protect affected family members, the majority of whom are women and children.

Victoria Police acting deputy commissioner Jack Blayney correctly stated that such breaches were presenting challenges to the entire criminal justice system and the safety of Victorians.

The Royal Commission into Family Violence is exploring how the state can better respond to this complex issue. 

But in the meantime, with every breach, a woman and/or her children are at risk. We can no longer say it is one woman a week who dies at the hands of her partner or former partner - this year, the statistic is far worse.

It is more important than ever we support women when they seek help - and to do so, we need to ensure our front line services can meet demand.

The Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre is yet to learn if it will receive funding to continue a vital service supporting women affected by family violence who present at some courts across central Victoria. 

Many other services are stretched and staff are pushed to their limits trying to juggle increasing case loads, while every crisis accommodation provider across the state is at capacity every night.

We don't need Bandaid fixes, but it's critical such services can be there for women and children when they need it most.

We know that when women leave a violent relationship, that is when they are most unsafe. 

The worst thing they can hear is there is nothing available to support them.

Nicole Ferrie, editor.