Community Safety

If you are experiencing family violence you can take action to stop it:

• If you need immediate assistance call police on 000.
• Go to your local police station and report the violence to police.
• If you want to speak to someone who can help you, but you do not want to speak to police, you can call an organisation for help by referring to the brochure in your language on the right side of this page.

Family violence is a term referring to violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that occurs in family, domestic or intimate relationships.  Family violence can happen in a current or former relationship. Family violence can consist of the following:

• Physical injury
• Direct or indirect threats
• Sexual assault
• Emotional and psychological torment
• Economic control
• Property damage
• Social isolation
• Stalking.

Family violence is predominantly, but not exclusively, perpetrated by men against women and children.  However, family violence can be perpetrated by any member of a family against any other member.  Violence can occur in any kind of relationship, including lesbian, gay and transgender relationships. People who are elderly or have a disability can also be victims of family violence.

Code of Practice for the Investigation of Family Violence

In August 2004, Victoria Police launched the Code of Practice for the Investigation of Family Violence.  The Code provides police with more options to assist people experiencing family violence. For more information about the Code of Practice click the link on the right side of this page.

Victoria Police is committed to addressing family violence in our community through four main functions, which includes ensuring people are referred to support services and further assistance. The four main functions of police in relation to family violence are:

• Provide safety and support to those involved.
• Investigate and identify criminal offences.
• Present offenders before the court.
• Assist in minimising family violence in the community.

Resources and publications

In consultation with specialist family violence service providers, Victoria Police has developed a series of brochures:

• Brochure 1 is written for victims of family violence.
• Brochure 2 addresses men who use violence.
• Brochure 3 speaks to the community about family violence. 

The brochures explain aspects of family violence, including:

• Types of behaviours that may constitute family violence
• Effects on your health and the health of your children
• Victoria Police and its role in family violence matters
• Action that police will take
• Organisations that can help you.

Through this information, we hope to:

• Encourage people to seek help if they are experiencing family violence.
• Demonstrate that family violence in our community is never acceptable.

Brochure One (for victims) has been translated into 15 languages, available by clicking on the links on the right side of this page.

Victoria Police Family Violence Unit (FVU)

The FVU works with central police departments, government and non-government agencies, and geographical regions of Victoria Police to develop and implement strategies aimed at enhancing the police response to family violence. The unit prepares and participates in specialist police training courses and community education activities. It also coordinates the activities of 10 full-time Family Violence Advisers within the five police regions. For more information visit the Family Violence Unit link on the right side of this page.

Australasian Policing Strategy on the Prevention and Reduction of Family Violence

Launched on White Ribbon Day - Tuesday, 25 November 2008

The Australasian Policing Strategy on the Prevention and Reduction of Family Violence looks at ways in which all jurisdictions can work together to develop strong and consistent policies and practices which will contribute to a reduction in family violence incidents.

Police commissioners from across Australia and New Zealand created the strategy through a process of meetings and discussions to develop a shared understanding and vision to address family violence.

The commissioners are strongly committed to reducing and preventing family violence through the development of consistent policies and practices, to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure compassionate and appropriate responses to people affected by family violence.

This strategy will compliment and reinforce the work of Victoria Police to respond to and reduce family violence.

Download Australasian Policing Strategy on the Prevention and Reduction of Family Violence