Victoria Police is urging bystanders to not ignore the signs of family violence and call out the unacceptable behaviours and attitudes that contribute to the crime.
Every bystander has a powerful role to play in deterring, preventing and reducing the harm caused by family violence.
Whether it’s seeing behaviour that’s violent, noticing signs of abuse or witnessing a heated argument – bystanders have critical information, which can help police to prevent further family violence harm.
Bystanders are vital in influencing the outcome of the situation by making a report to police or intervening only if it’s safe to do so.
Crime Statistics Agency figures show police responded to almost 99,000 family violence incidents in the last year. That works out to one family violence incident every five minutes in Victoria.
Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said it’s never too late for bystanders to act and come forward to police.
“Bystanders are one of the most common groups to witness family violence – they can be neighbours, friends or colleagues.
“Bystanders can see family violence happening in public places too such as on the transport network or in shopping centres, bars or clubs.
“Many acts of family violence happen right in front of us – so we need bystanders to please not ignore it, don’t look the other way, and don’t make excuses for it.
“If bystanders witness family violence and it’s safe to do so, they can intervene by starting a conversation and asking the victim if they’re OK or by using an excuse to get the victim away from the situation safely.
“This will create separation between both parties and offers a safe space for victims to stay until police arrive.
“Any intervention by a bystander can make a huge difference and signals to perpetrators their behaviour is unacceptable – in-turn helping to prevent escalating abuse.
“If the situation is too dangerous however, please call police immediately. We respond to family violence as a priority and will always play our part in keeping victim-survivors safe and holding perpetrators to account.”
The call for action comes as police tomorrow stand in solidary with victim-survivors and community members in the Walk Against Family Violence.
The walk – held annually – is part of an effort to reduce and combat all violence against women and children.
It marks the start of the internationally-recognised 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said Victoria Police is proud to support the 16 Days of Activism by joining tomorrow’s walk and a number of events across the state.
“We’re walking with victim survivors, organisations and community members to raise awareness about family violence and help prevent the crime from occurring.
“Our participation is important in reinforcing to Victorians that family violence is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“It also gives us an opportunity to stand with many people who may be suffering in silence.”
The walk gets underway at 11am tomorrow at Birrarung Marr, Upper Terrace, Melbourne.
More information about the Walk Against Family Violence can be found online: Walk Against Family Violence 2024 | Respect Victoria
If you or someone close to you discloses they are a victim of family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a support service.
Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing [email protected]
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
For more information on what Victoria Police is doing to protect victim-survivors of family violence visit police.vic.gov.au/family-violence.
