Family violence reports rise in central Victoria

Data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows that from 2015 to 2016, Buloke, Gannawarra, Central Goldfields, Campaspe, Loddon, Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges shires all recorded increases in rates of family incidents attended to and reported by police.

Greater Bendigo was the only municipality in the region to see a decrease, with the rate of incidents falling by 6.3 per cent from 2015 to 2016.

Central Goldfields recorded the third-highest rate of incidents in the state last year behind Latrobe and Mildura, at a rate of 2820.3 per 100,000 people.

Macedon Ranges had the lowest rate of family incidents in the region.

The rate of family incidents in Victoria as a whole rose by 3.7 per cent, but the highest rates were experienced in regional areas.

Every municipality in central Victoria saw an increase between 2012 and 2016.

Women’s Health Loddon Mallee executive officer Tricia Currie said some of that increase could be explained by greater awareness reporting of family violence incidents in the community.

Ms Currie said it was a prevalent issue in the area, but there was hope to be found in that addressing gender inequality could help prevent such violence.

The crime figures show nearly 75 per cent of the ‘affected family members’ in a family incident in Victoria last year were female, the majority aged between 20 and 44 years.

In 2016, nearly 77 per cent of ‘other parties’ involved in an incident were male and most of them were also between 20 and 44 years old.

“If we think that gender equality equals respect, where there’s respect there isn’t violence,” Ms Currie said.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, call the Centre for Non-Violence on 1800 884 038 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call 000.