Code of Practice for the investigation of family violence

The Victoria Police response to investigate and respond to family violence is directed by:

• The Code of Practice for the Investigation of Family Violence (2022) (Code of Practice)
• Victoria Police Manual (VPM) Family Violence
• Victoria Police Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
• Relevant legislation including the Family Violence Protection Act (Vic) 2008

For information about accessing the Victoria Police Manual, visit the procedures and legislation page. 

The Code of Practice outlines how we use legislative powers to respond to family violence by:

• Protecting all victims of family violence.
• Encouraging reporting incidents of family violence.
• Holding the perpetrators of family violence accountable.
• Supporting an integrated response to family violence. This is in partnership with government and non-government agencies.

The 2022 Code has been revised to:

• Reflect the current policing practice included in the Victoria Police Manual Family Violence. The VPM had significant revisions in 2021.
• Reflect significant reforms in family violence policing since developing the Code in 2014 and the Royal Commission into Family Violence. This includes:
  • the Case Prioritisation Model
  • the Victoria Police Family Violence Report, and
  • the establishment of Family Violence Investigation Units.
• Incorporate legislative changes and coronial recommendations.
• Consolidate information and remove duplication and repetition.
• Ensure look and language are contemporary and accessible to stakeholders.
• Address language inconsistencies across the Code and VPM Family Violence. This includes greater alignment in language and terminology and supporting consistent future updates to policy.

Feedback about Victoria Police's response to family violence

If you have concerns or feedback about Victoria Police's response to family violence, you can speak to:

• An Officer in Charge of your local police station
• A Family Violence Liaison Officer in your area.

You can also visit the compliments and complaints page.

Police liaison officers who specialise in supporting the diversity of the Victorian community may be able to assist you. These include:

• Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLOs)
• Police Aboriginal Liaison Officers (PALOs)
• Multicultural Liaison Officers (MLOs)
• Newly Arrived Liaison Officers (NALOs)
• Youth Liaison Officers (YLOs)
• LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officers (LLOs).

Support

• Magistrates' Court family violence intervention orders (FVIO) information
• Victims of Crime Helpline 8am–11pm, 7 days: 1800 819 817
• Victoria Legal Aid(opens in a new window) free telephone advice in a range of languages, 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday: 1300 792 387
• Safe Steps(opens in a new window) Family Violence Response Centre for women and children, 24 hours, 7 days a week: 1800 015 188 or 9322 3555
• Men's Referral Service(opens in a new window) support and referral for men, 8am–9pm, Monday–Friday: 1300 766 491
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line(opens in a new window) 24 hours, 7 days a week: 1800 806 292
• Child Protection Service Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, 24 hours, 7 days a week: 131 278
• HousingVic(opens in a new window) statewide referral for emergency housing, 24 hours, 7 days a week: 1800 825 955.