Geelong domestic violence surges, $1m needed to keep legal service’s family violence program afloat

Sobering new data has revealed the region’s high rates of domestic abuse as officials prepare for a rise ahead of the holiday season.

Authorities are preparing for a surge in family violence this festive season.

Crime Statistics Agency data, released this week, reveals 4315 family violence incidents were recorded in Greater Geelong between July 2020 and June 2021, up from 3993 the year prior. The Surf Coast recorded 295 family violence incidents.

There were 222 family violence related hospital admissions in Greater Geelong over the same period – the second highest figure recorded in the state.

The region also recorded 555 sexual assaults over the same period – a rate of 204.8 per 100,000 population. Twelve hospital admissions in the region were linked to sexual assault.

Bethany Community Support manager of access, support and family safety Bernadette McCartney said workers were preparing for a rise in family violence around Christmas.

“We’re always concerned about any potential for increases in incidents of family violence and the Christmas period has traditionally demonstrated an increase in incidents,” she said.

“We suspect to see an increase given that Covid restrictions have relaxed and families come back together, some of them for the first time in quite some time.

“This scenario has the potential to create conflict, which may result in family violence.”

Ms McCartney said domestic violence was usually characterised as repeat and ongoing behaviour, however services did see families who reported violence at Christmas but not at other times of the year.

“We expect this is because the holiday season can create stress with families who are not accustomed to spending so time together,” she said.

Ms McCartney said an increase in people drinking alcohol to excess or taking drugs were contributing factors, with a rise in violence between siblings or extended families.

She said staff were actively working with families to promote safety planning if violence occurred. They are also working with known perpetrators to try and prevent violence from occurring.

Ms McCartney said the coronavirus pandemic had likely played a role in the rise of reported incidents.

Geelong Superintendent Peter Ward said police were focused on curbing family violence.

“Police are continuing to proactively monitor and engage with members of the community who are subject to family violence orders in an effort to protect victims and identify breaches, particularly as people are spending more

time at home.”

If you need help call Stafe Steps Family Violence Response centre on 1800 015 188.

Geelong family violence victim help could cease without $1m

A philanthropically funded legal service offering intervention in family violence embedded within Barwon Health needs $1.3 million to run adequately across the region, a state MP says.

Derryn Hinch Justice Party MP Stuart Grimley will on Friday ask the state government to fund the Barwon Community Legal Service’s family violence early intervention program until June 2025.

Currently facing a funding shortfall from June, the program provides a full-time lawyer who is integrated within social work teams operating in the maternity, paediatric and community health services units at Barwon Health.

The program provides legal help with intervention orders, tenancy, fines, debt, child support and Centrelink issues relating to family violence.

Stuart Grimley MP, left with Party Leader Derryn Hinch and Northern Victoria DHJP MP Tania Maxwell.

Mr Grimley said without funding it was unlikely the program would continue into the second half of 2022.

“This funding will allow them to expand their current offering under the philanthropic funding to assist up to 850 more victim-survivors. To me, finding this program beyond June 2022, is vital,” Mr Grimley said.

“Barwon Community Legal Service is a lifesaving organisation in many ways. They are there to assist victims when they are going through an extremely distressing and difficult period in their lives.

“I hope the Attorney-General can commit to $1.3 million in funding to ensure the program is secured for three more years until June 2025.

Mr Grimley said family violence offences grew significantly last financial year, with a rise of 8.1 per cent to a total of 4,315.

Originally published as Geelong domestic violence surges, $1m needed to keep legal service’s family violence program afloat