By Alesha Capone
Wyndham police responded to an average of 10 family violence crimes every day in the 12 months to March, 2021.
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) shows that 3800 family violence incidents were reported to Wyndham police during the timeframe, a 15.1 per cent rise on the 3301 family violence incidents reported in the 12 months to March, 2020.
The Wyndham numbers reflect the trend of family violence reports increasing across the state since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Detective senior sergeant Brad Lawrence, from the Westgate Family Violence Investigation Unit, said the CSA data “indicates family violence issues were clearly exacerbated by people spending long durations confined to their homes together”.
“Societal issues such as mental health, financial difficulties and unemployment were also identified as factors in several family violence reports we received last year,” he said.
“While any increase is alarming, this increase can also highlight an improvement in community confidence to report these crimes to police and demonstrates that we will act and respond to any report of family violence.
“We encourage anyone who believes they are experiencing family violence to contact police.”
Women’s Health West (WHW), a not-for-profit organisation that provides assistance for women and children who experience family violence in Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Brimbank, Moonee Valley and Melbourne, has also faced an increase in demand for support over since the start of the pandemic.
WHW received 13,272 family violence referrals from Victoria Police between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021 – the most the service has ever received within a 12-month period.
This was an increase of 12 per cent from the same period in 2019-2020, when WHW received 11,830 family violence referrals from police.
WHW chief executive Robyn Gregory said it was important for people experiencing family violence to know they could still seek help during the pandemic.
“Violence is never acceptable in the home and a pandemic is not an excuse for violence,” Dr Gregory said.
For help during business hours, contact Women’s Health West on 9689 9588, email fvassist@whwest.org.au or visit whwest.org
If you need support outside business hours, call the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or visit safesteps.org.au.
