Victoria Police will today support and walk in solidarity with victim-survivors and community members in an effort to reduce and combat all violence against women and children.
The Walk Against Family Violence – held annually – marks the start of the internationally-recognised 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Family violence continues to be a significant source of harm to the Victorian community – with frontline police responding to a high volume of family violence incidents every year.
Crime Statistics Agency figures show the number of family violence incidents statewide rose 2.8 per cent in the year to June 2023.
Family Violence Command Acting Executive Director Claire Waterman said Victoria Police is proud to support the 16 Days of Activism by joining today’s walk and a number of events across the state to inspire action to end violence against women.
“We’re standing in solidarity with victim survivors, organisations and community members to bring much-needed awareness to family violence and help prevent the crime from occurring,” Acting Executive Director Claire Waterman said.
“Victoria Police sees the devasting impacts of family violence every day. Our frontline police attended more than 93,000 family violence incidents over the past year. That’s one family violence incident every six minutes.
“Our participation in today’s walk and a number of events across the state highlights our commitment to support family violence victim-survivors and hold perpetrators to account.
“It’s also important in raising awareness that family violence is completely unacceptable and gives us an opportunity to stand with many people who may be suffering in silence.”
The walk gets underway at 11am at State Parliament on Spring Street.
