Family violence spikes 33 per cent on Christmas Day in Victoria

Grim new figures show this day to be one of the most violent and busiest for police who describe the behaviour as “unacceptable”.

Christmas Day is one of the most violent days of the year and most common for breaches of family violence intervention orders in Victoria, new police data shows.

“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,” Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said.

Victoria Police figures show family violence incidents spike about 33 per cent on Christmas Day.

Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway says some domestic abusers use Christmas to manipulate their families. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

On December 25 last year, police recorded 91 order breach offences and 79 assaults.

For the month of December 2023, police logged 8668 family violence incidents across the state.

“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,” Ms Callaway said.

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

Police will be making proactive checks across the state this December as families gather. Picture: NewsWire / Wayne Taylor

Organisations such as Safe Steps can be called or emailed 24/7. It runs an online direct message service from 9am to midnight. No to Violence runs a men’s referral service.

“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,” Ms Callaway said.

“Maybe making that call is the best gift you can give your family this Christmas.”

GET HELP

Safe Steps

• 1800 015 188

• [e-mail]

• Web chat available on weekdays from 9am – midnight, at safesteps.org.au/chat

Men’s referral service

• Operated by No to Violence

• 1300 766 491

Originally published as Family violence spikes 33 per cent on Christmas Day in Victoria