Police crack down on family violence this Easter

They want to send a clear message this Easter that family violence will not be tolerated.

“Perpetrators should know there is nowhere to hide,” Family Violence and Safer Communities Commander Sharon McKinnon said.

“Police will be out in force this Easter, prioritising the safety of victim‑survivors and children and holding offenders to account.”

New Crime Statistics Agency data shows assaults and breaches of intervention orders are still the most common family violence offences during the Easter period.

On Easter Sunday last year, 368 incidents were recorded, including 171 breaches of orders and 90 assaults against victim‑survivors.

Across the whole Easter period, police responded to 688 breaches of intervention orders and 361 assaults.

Other incidents included sexual offences, stalking, harassment, threatening behaviour and property damage.

Behind these numbers are real people, including children.

“Easter should be a time when children feel safe, supported and free from fear — not a time when harm escalates behind closed doors,” Commander McKinnon said.

Children are frequently present in homes where family violence occurs.

Police said even when children were not directly assaulted, exposure to violence, threats, coercion and fear could have lasting impacts on their safety, wellbeing and development.

“Family violence causes deep and lasting harm — not only to those directly targeted, but to children who witness and live with its impacts,” Commander McKinnon said.

“That harm is preventable, and it must stop.”

Police say many breaches of intervention orders are committed using technology, with perpetrators using mobile phones and social media to harass, threaten and control victims remotely, which all extend harm beyond physical proximity, making it harder for families to feel safe.

Increased contact between family members, financial pressure and heightened stress can all contribute to risk, but police stressed that violence was always a choice, and it was never acceptable.

Family violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds and communities.

Victoria Police has advised that its officers would be working around the clock, with a strong and highly visible presence, keeping family violence incidents a top priority, with proactive patrols, compliance checks, service of intervention orders and the execution of outstanding warrants.

Statistics show that police arrest an average of 92 family violence perpetrators every day in Victoria, equating to one every 16 minutes.

Police urge people to believe anyone who discloses family violence to them and encourage them to seek help.

Police can connect victim‑survivors with specialist family violence services that provide support such as safety planning, accommodation and counselling to help families recover and rebuild.

Crisis support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.

If someone is in immediate danger, phone 000.

If you are concerned about your own behaviour or the behaviour of someone you know, the Men’s Referral Service (No to Violence) — 1300 766 491 — can help people who use violence to change their behaviour.

For more information about what Victoria Police is doing to protect victim‑survivors and children, visit police.vic.gov.au/family‑violence