Victims urged to be brave and break violence cycle

In the face of alarming increases in family violence incidents, Baw Baw police services area inspector Chris Major has encouraged victims to break the cycle and seek help.

With White Ribbon Day this Friday, Mr Major said it was important to turn the stigma around, encourage victims to break the cycle and raise awareness about family violence in the community.

Latest Baw Baw police services area statistics show family violence reports have increased 6.6 per cent; charges laid for breaches of intervention orders and assaults increased 10.8 per cent; intervention orders increased 26 per cent; and the number of repeat offenders increased 29 per cent.

“It’s alarming that both the reports and assaults are continuing to rise.

“But it is encouraging that people are reporting family violence.

“There is a stigma and shame associated with family violence and a lot of the time victims blame themselves for the circumstances.

Mr Major said some victims did not feel comfortable speaking with police but he encouraged them to speak to a friend or family member or preferably a support service.

“If they are living in fear and are being illtreated physically and mentally, then it’s important they take the steps to break the cycle of control and violence.

Mr Major said the 26 per cent increase in intervention orders being sought by police showed victims were being brave to break the cycle.

He said police had referred almost six per cent more victims to support agencies this year.

If police are called to a family violence incident where there has been violence or property damage, Mr Major said an intervention order would be taken out, even if it was against the victim’s wishes.

He said the order varied in natured depending on the level of assault, threatening behaviour and whether it prohibits the perpetrator being in the home.

Mr Major said family violence was not just confined to spouses or partners but sometimes children.

“If a perpetrator has violent tendencies the children can be affected as well and it’s not a positive environment for children to grow up in a home where there is violence or controlling behaviour.

“No one deserves to be living in circumstance where they are the victim of violence, threatening or controlling behaviour,” he said.

Mr Major urged victims to seek help from police or support agencies.

Anyone experiencing violence or that suspects someone else who may be experiencing violence can contact 1800 RESPECT for advice and support. In an emergency, call the police on 000.