Family violence soars

Reported family violence incidents in Geelong have increased by more than half in the last five years, according to the latest data from Crime Statistics Agency CSA.
Incidents rose from 862 per 100,000 people in 2011-2012 to 1384 in 2015-2016.
But CSA researcher Paul Sutherland said awareness of the issue and media campaigns could have increased reporting rates.
“There are a whole range of factors that could have affected that result.”
Geelong’s figures were 7 per cent worse than the state average, which had a similar increase during the five-year period.
One in five family violence incidents throughout the state involved alcohol, while this number was slightly lower in Geelong, according to data prepared for the Indy.
CSA’s chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said alcohol increased the likelihood of a severe incident.
“Where perpetrator alcohol use was recorded, police were more likely to record that the perpetrator had choked the victim or made threats to kill the victim.”
Recently City Hall and a number of partners launched a strategic plan to address violence against women and children.
City General Manager Community Life Linda Quinn said the plan would target family violence through prevention, intervention and response.
“The impact of violence can be devastating for women and families and for the whole community,” she said.