Bass Coast crime statistics: Rise in reported family violence incidents

Family violence is rising in the Bass Coast faster than anywhere in Gippsland. But police say they have a plan to help the region’s most vulnerable victims.

Bass Coast has seen a spike in family violence reports. Picture: Getty Images

Reports of family violence is rising in Bass Coast faster than any other Gippsland region.

According to Crime Statistics Agency data released on Thursday morning, there was a 31 per cent spike in reported family violence matters in the past year.

There were 967 incidents reported in 2021 compared to 738 in 2020.

Senior Sergeant Peter Watson said police would use more resources to target family violence in the area.

He said there was also a family violence investigation unit based in the Bass Coast, dedicated to helping victims.

“We are really working hard to keep people safe in their homes,” Sen-Sgt Watson said.

He said the increase in numbers linked to an increase in reports but the lockdown had worsened the situation.

“We class that as a good thing because it means people are more prepared to report things,” Sen-Sgt Watson said.

“And maybe in the past they didn't have that confidence but now they do.”

Anecdotally Sen-Sgt Watson said during lockdown more people were drinking in homes that inevitably led to more family violence incidents.

“It’s unfortunate but the reality is people get bored and frustrated,” he said.

South Gippsland saw a 30.4 per cent rise in reported family violence incidents with Baw Baw 29.6 per cent, Latrobe 5.9 per cent and East Gippsland 1.8 per cent.

Wellington was the only area in Gippsland that saw a drop of 4.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, crime overall in the Bass Coast increased by 15.8 per cent.

The top incidents were breaches in family violence orders, criminal damage, common assault, theft and residential non-aggravated burglary.

Most crimes occurred in Wonthaggi, Cowes, Inverloch, North Wonthaggi and Cape Woolamai.

Other areas in Gippsland saw a drop in incidents including Latrobe, Wellington, Baw Baw and East Gippsland.

There was a small increase of 0.9 per cent in South Gippsland.

In Bass Coast, charges were laid for 38.4 per cent of crimes and no charges were laid for 27 per cent leaving 34.6 per cent unsolved.

Sen-Sgt Watson said Bass Coast had a rise in criminal incidents due to the number of people visiting the area.

“Our numbers increase quite significantly in the summer period,” he said.

“This year we had quiet a few because we came out of lockdown around Christmas time and our numbers just swelled.”

Follow The Bass Coast News on Facebook to keep up to date with other local stories.

[e-mail]