Crisis point: Family violence reaches all-time high in Victoria

A somber vigil will take over parts of East Melbourne tonight as mourners gather to honour those lost to domestic violence, as new figures show violent attacks have reached a record high.

Family violence is at an all-time high in Victoria with attacks surging nearly 20 per cent in the past two years.

Since June last year, 66 women and children across Australia have lost their lives to domestic violence.

Actor Farah Mak, who MC’s of the Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil taking place Wednesday night, says the rising toll of family violence is “both devastating and unacceptable”.

“As a survivor, mother, and advocate who walks beside women and children impacted by violence every day, I can tell you, this isn’t just a statistic. This is a national crisis,” she said.

“We gather to honour lives stolen by violence that was entirely preventable. And still, our leaders remain silent. Where is the urgency? Where is the will to change this?”

Actor Farah Mak will lead a family violence vigil on Wednesday after it was revealed the crime was at record breaking levels. Picture: Supplied

Farah, who founded The Self Worth Movement, has lived through multiple forms of domestic violence and says she’s seen how broken systems continue to fail those they’re meant to protect.

“In my case, for seven years, the legal system became another weapon of control, manipulated by the perpetrator to intimidate, exhaust, and re-traumatise me,” she said.

“It’s a pattern I’ve seen far too often.”

Farah said a close friend was violently strangled by her partner but didn’t even receive a conviction.

“He received a good behaviour bond and walked away without a conviction,” she said.

“The court focused on his potential to rehabilitate — not on the violence he committed. Not on the healing the victim was left to do, alone.”

She added: “He was later allowed to become a school bus driver and a football coach. How is that possible?”

Since June last year, 66 women and children nationwide have lost their lives to domestic violence. Picture: istock

Doctor Chelsea Tobin, CEO of Safe Steps, said that it took a victim between seven to 12 attempts to leave their abuser.

“What we do know is that all victims of family and domestic violence need to be able to safely access services that provide them with support and advice, to help them leave their situation, to recover from their trauma, and to rebuild their lives,” Dr Tobin said.

More than 40 per cent of Australians under 16 are exposed to domestic violence.

The crime leapt 11.3 per cent in 2023 and 9.5 per cent again in the last financial year, making it the highest reported incident ever.

“This is not just about statistics. Behind every number is a story of fear and resilience,” Dr Tobin said.

It takes victims between seven to 12 attempts to leave their abuser. Picture: istock

“While statistics show the scale of the crisis, some of the most important and less discussed issues include the intergenerational trauma family violence creates, the devastating emotional impact on children, and the challenges victims face in navigating systems where they often feel invisible, disbelieved and isolated.”

Safe Steps provides Victoria’s only 24 hours a day, seven days a week, confidential family and domestic violence crisis support service.

On average, Safe Steps manages around 300 calls, web chats and emails to support people who are considering leaving unsafe situations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence call 1800 015 188 or email [e-mail]

The vigil will be held at Family Violence Memorial Garden, on the corner of St Andrews Place and Lansdowne Street in East Melbourne from 6-6.45pm Wednesday.