Family violence spike triggers Easter warning across the long weekend

Police have issued a harrowing warning as family violence incidents are expected to spike over Easter.

A warning has been issued ahead of the long weekend as family violence incidents increase over Easter..

Rates of family violence over Easter are only second to Christmas and New Year’s, with 1247 incidents statewide in Victoria between Good Friday and Easter Monday last year, according to Crime Statistics Agency figures.

Easter Sunday alone had 317 family violence incidents, and overall rates increased by 15 per cent from 2023.

The increased rates of family violence over holiday periods is often due to those who don’t see each other regularly coming into increased contact, which can increase stress and conflict, according to police.

However, Victoria police said violence can occur at “any time and affect anyone” and “there is never an excuse”.

Police issued a warning ahead of Easter, as increased family violence incidents are expected.

It’s important for the community to not ignore the signs of family violence and report the crime if they see it occur this Easter, Family Violence Command Acting Superintendent Dagmar Andersen said.

“Easter is a time for families to come together,” she said.

“But sadly, it’s also a time when family violence incidents spike as perpetrators use this time to control and harm others.”

Police will be tracking down perpetrators and responding to family violence incidents as a priority across the Easter period.

“Not only will we be conducting proactive patrols –we’ll be carrying out checks to let perpetrators know they won’t get way with their behaviour,” Superintendent Andersen said.

“Everyone has a right to go about their lives in safety.”

Superintendent Andersen called for those who know a loved one or friend experiencing family violence to “please don’t ignore it” and contact authorities.

“Together we can make a difference and stop family violence,” she said.

Warnings come after two women died within 24 hours from separate incidents allegedly related to family violence. Picture: NewsWire / David Geraghty

The warnings come after two women died following alleged family violence incidents within 24 hours.

Domestic violence advocate Louise Hunt died after an arson attack at her family home, which her children were also in at the time.

The two children were found to be physically unharmed by police.

Her husband, Cameron Hunt, has now been charged with murder of his wife and arson.

In a separate incident, Claire Austin ran through a glass door in a desperate attempt to escape an alleged domestic violence incident.

She later died from the injuries she sustained.

19 women, and five children have been murdered till this date since the start of the year.