Victoria Police speak with husband and wife

Family violence

Victoria Police will act to protect anyone harmed by family violence.

Everyone has the right to be free of violence or the fear of violence. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their family and relationships.

Family violence occurs in all communities, cultures and socio-economic groups and is not acceptable in any part of any culture. Family violence is against the law.

It is okay to seek support on behalf of somebody else. Please reach out and speak up.

Victoria Police is here to support you. There is no excuse for abusing a loved one.

This video is available in a suite of multiple languages


Discreet help

We know victims of family violence may be in a situation that makes it harder to reach out for support.

There are ways to seek help discreetly.

Safe Steps offer confidential 24/7 online support and can provide advice about safety planning and emergency accommodation to keep victims safe from family violence.

For a consultation with a family violence crisis specialist email safesteps@safesteps.org.au, or call 1800 015 188 if it is safe to do so.

Victims can also apply for a Family Violence Intervention Order online through the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria(opens in a new window).

Reporting family violence to police

If you are:

  • someone experiencing violence,
  • concerned friends or family or
  • neighbours or services

You can report family violence by:

If English is not your first language, call Triple Zero (000) and tell them your language. They will connect an interpreter.

If you have a hearing impairment or have difficulty being understood verbally, the National Relay Service (NRS) website explains how the NRS can assist with an emergency call.

Reporting family violence or sexual offences perpetrated by a Victoria Police employee

If anyone is in danger, a crime is currently occurring, or you need immediate attendance, please call Triple Zero (000).

If you are a victim survivor of family violence perpetrated by a Victoria Police employee, and there is no immediate danger:

Police assistance at a family violence incident

Police will make an assessment of risk, considering past family violence and any recorded criminal history. They will identify who is:

  • being harmed most (the victim or ‘affected family member’)
  • who is the main person harming others (the primary aggressor or 'other party').

Police risk assessment includes:

  • asking if everyone is safe
  • speaking to each person on their own and they may speak to children
  • asking what has been happening now and in the past
  • checking if, due to the violence, anyone needs medical attention and
  • taking note of any damage
  • making referrals for each individual

Police are required to ask if anyone, including children, identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can indicate if they prefer mainstream or Aboriginal services.

Police may also ask if anyone has:

  • a disability
  • medical needs
  • happy to disclose and are relevant to safety or the police response.

Please tell police your communication needs.

If you have difficulty speaking or understanding English, police can seek an interpreter.

How you can help a victim

What the law says

The law defines family violence as behaviour by a family member that creates fear and control over:

  • their partner
  • ex-partner
  • other family members.

Victorian Family Violence Protection Act 2008(opens in a new window)

Code of Practice

The Code of Practice for the Investigation of Family Violence directs how Victoria Police responds to family violence.

Code of Practice for the investigation of family violence - Edition 4 Version 2
PDF 1.63 MB
(opens in a new window)

Depending on the circumstances, there are a range of actions police can take.If a crime has been committed police will investigate and may pursue charges.Investigation and prosecution can take time so immediate safety for people who have been harmed or who are at risk must be the priority.

Immediate civil (i.e. non-criminal) actions to manage risk and increase safety that police can take are to:

  • issue a Family Violence Safety Notice on the spot and/or
  • apply to the court for a Family Violence Intervention Order, or
  • apply to change an existing Intervention Order to increase protection

A contravention of a Family Violence Safety Notice or Family Violence Intervention Order should be reported to police as soon as possible and can result in criminal charges.

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If you think your computer use is being monitored – you may want to remove the browser history. The eSafety Commissioner's eSafety website can assist with how to do this, and provide more information on technology and safety.

Resources

The Magistrates Court has a series of films about family violence.

For people who are deaf or communicate using Auslan, 1800 RESPECT (a national telephone support line for sexual assault and family violence) has a film with information on family violence and how to get support.

Contact

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