Fears of surge in family violence over holidays
The Christmas and New Year’s break can be anything but merry for some. Police have warned that abuse ramps up in Victorian homes over this period and are calling on those who suspect family violence to report it.
VIC News
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Family violence calls to police are expected to spike over the holiday season as stress, alcohol and family conflict to create a dangerous mix.
Police are bracing for an influx of calls for help in the coming weeks as more women and children are abused and terrorised, often in their own home.
Alarming figures show an 11 per cent surge in family violence incidents in December and January compared to the rest of the year.
On average police receive more than 250 calls for help each day over the two months — dozens more than in non-holiday seasons.
Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Dean McWhirter said it was a very dark and dangerous time of year for many women and children.
Financial stress, relationship conflict and child custody issues often drove violence, he said.
“Sadly this includes assaults on victims, sexual offences, psychological abuse, financial abuse and other coercive behaviours,” Mr McWhirter said.
“These crimes are unacceptable any time of the year.
“Sadly children are present in many incidents and this exposes them to trauma.”
Mr McWhirter said the spike in family violence put “a whole lot of pressure” on the force in its busiest policing period.
Crisis services are also stretched due to the demand for shelter and support for victims.
Safe Steps chief executive Rita Butera said extra staff would be rostered on to provide 24/7 help to victims at risk.
“We work around the clock over the holiday season,” she said.
“We get referrals from police, hospitals and even women that call directly because they are in fear of their immediate safety.”
Ms Butera said availability of crisis accommodation for victims was “always a challenge” but that help was always on hand for victims in need of urgent refuge.
An instance of family violence occurs every six minutes in Victoria, with 83, 775 incidents recorded in the year to September 30.
On Friday, Victoria Police will launch a campaign to prevent abuse over Christmas.
Police are urging the community to look out for each other and themselves.
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“If you are in need of support, it is out there. If there is some risk to your personal safety, all you have to do is reach out,” Mr McWhirter said.
“If people are aware that family members or people close to them are in a challenging situation, we ask that they also reach out and get advice or report those incidents of family violence to police.”
If you need support contact 1800 RESPECT or if you are in immediate danger, call triple-0.