Family incidents increase in Bass Coast during coronavirus lockdown

Family violence experts have seen a drop in calls to crisis response centres, while at the same time figures show domestic incidents have increased by alarming rates along the Bass Coast.

Family incidents in the Bass Coast have increased by 17.59 per cent from the previous year since Victoria went into their first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020.

Family violence incidents in the Bass Coast have jumped by an alarming 17.59 per cent since Victorians went into COVID-19 lockdown in March.

The latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows that there were 254 incidents from March to June 2020 compared to 216 incidents for the same period the previous year.

From July 2019 to June 2020, Wonthaggi (186) recorded the most family incidents, Cowes (151) came in second, while North Wonthaggi (63) came in third.

Other suburbs that had a high amount of family incidents in that period were Inverloch (57), Coronet Bay (31), Cape Woolamai (30), Corinella (25) and Grantville (23).

In total, there were 739 family incidents in the Bass Coast from July 2019 to June 2020 compared to 628 from July 2018 to June 2019.

Family violence experts say they saw a drop in calls to family violence crisis response centres as Victorians went into lockdown in late March.

Experts say it was more difficult for people to report incidents of family violence or to reach out for support while in lockdown or isolation with a perpetrator.

The pandemic has made it easier for family violence offenders to control and monitor victims.

Gippsland Women’s Health is an organisation that works to prevent violence against

women and family violence in Gippsland.

Acting principal strategic adviser for family violence in Gippsland Kim Adams said Gippsland Women’s Health supports and ensures safety for women.

“Gippsland Women’s Health plays a key role in supporting both the response and prevention sectors throughout Gippsland to ensure women and children can live a violence free future”.

Chief executive of Safe Steps Rita Butera said support services are here for Victorians experiencing family violence.

“Even under the current lockdown measures, you are allowed to leave your home at any time to seek safety from family violence and domestic abuse,” she said.

“If you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you”.

WHERE TO SEEK HELP FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE IN GIPPSLAND:

Victoria Police Triple Zero (000)

1800 RESPECT
Safe Steps 1800 015 188

The Orange Door 1800 319 354

Lifeline 13 11 14

Gippsland Women’s Health [phone]