Family violence breaches among the most common criminal offences in Victoria

Court orders meant to be keeping Victorian victims of family violence safe are being abused more and more every year, adding to the immense pain endured by survivors.

Family violence breaches was the second most common criminal offence recorded in Victoria Photo: istock

A family violence court order is breached every eight minutes in Victoria, forcing terrified victims out of their homes in fear of being tracked down by abusive ex-partners.

New data released by the Crime Statistics Agency on Thursday revealed the City of Casey recorded more than 3300 family violence breaches in the 12 months to March 2025 — the most of any LGA in Victoria — and the equivalent of one every two and a half hours.

These breaches refer to any time an ex-partner contacted their victim — either in person or over the phone — despite there being a court order in place.

Persistent contravention can land offenders behind bars for up to five years.

Cranbourne, Clyde North and Hampton Park had the most breaches in Casey, with the municipality also having the most family violence related assaults and stalking offences.

Statewide, Shepparton had the highest rate per capita and number of breaches of any suburbs or towns.

In the year to March 2025 there were more family violence orders contraventions than criminal damage offences recorded and items stolen from retail stores.

Nine LGAs recorded more than 2000 breaches during this time frame.

It was the second highest recorded crime in the state during this period

This offending was rife within regional communities with the top 20 LGAs with the highest rate per capita all being regional, with Greater Shepparton, Benalla, Latrobe and East Gippsland among the worst.

Family and domestic violence was among a key factor behind homelessness in Victoria.

According to the last census, family violence was the second most common factor as to why people sought homeless assistance.

Data by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing revealed, since 2015, the number of women who fled domestic and family violence and sought long term housing increased by 135 per cent.

It comes as Victoria recorded 106,247 family violence incidents in the year to March 2025 — an increase of more than 10,000 offences from the year before.

Family violence related offences continue to increase in Victoria.

Acting deputy commissioner David Clayton said offenders were mostly using social media to get to their victims.

“In terms of the breaches of orders, a lot of that is technology enabled, that’s what's driving those breaches,” he said.

“Were seeing instances where perpetrators are damaging property at victims’ homes as well.

“Police have got dedicated resources in relation to family violence. Resources are prioritised in relation to that crime theme and general duties police respond all day, every day.”

Between July 2020 and June 2023 a quarter of all breaching family violence charges before the Magistrates’ Courts resulted in imprisonment.

Originally published as Family violence breaches among the most common criminal offences in Victoria