Young females are bearing the brunt of violent crime, new data shows
WOMEN aged in their 20s are most at risk of violent attacks, rapes and stalking across Victoria, the latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows.
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WOMEN in their 20s are Victoria’s biggest victims of crime.
The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows females aged between 20-29 were most at risk of violent attacks, rapes and stalking across the state.
In the 12 months to March this year, 8950 cases of crimes against the person were recorded against females in their 20s.
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Men in the same age bracket fell victim 6940 times.
The data also reveals a 12 per cent spike in sexual offences towards females compared to the previous year.
Offences of stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour towards women are also high with 4501 cases recorded — more than double the 2196 cases against men.
Victoria Police family violence Acting Assistant Commissioner Command Libby Murphy said police knew women experienced violence differently to men.
Ms Murphy said the number of assaults against women was driven by family violence.
“Sadly women are more likely to be the victim of assault from a person known through a relationship, rather than from a stranger,” Ms Murphy said.
“Victoria Police has worked hard to raise community awareness of these crimes, challenge attitudes supporting violence and improve police responses.”
But she says statistics show men are just as vulnerable as women roaming the streets.
“Women are far more likely to experience violence from a family member in their own home, whereas men are more likely to experience violence in public places,” Ms Murphy said.
A shocking 147 men were killed in Victoria in the year to March, compared to 70 women. More men (2256) were also robbed compared to women (585).
Ms Murphy said: “Everyone has a right to feel and be safe when they use public spaces and services, at all times.”
The data comes after a much-loved comedian was stalked, raped and murdered while walking home through Princes Park on June 12.
Eurydice Dixon’s body was discovered on the Carlton soccer field by a passer-by, sparking an outpouring of grief and anger about violence against women.
Jaymes Todd, 19, from Broadmeadows, has been charged with the rape and murder of Ms Dixon after surrendering himself at Broadmeadows police station a day after her body was found.
Just days after Ms Dixon’s rape and murder, another woman, aged in her 30s, was abducted and raped in Carlton.
The woman was on the intersection of Grattan and Lygon streets about 4.30am after a night out with friends at Retro nightclub in Melbourne’s CBD. Two men have since been charged with abduction and rape.