Media Release: Crime Statistics Agency releases 2023-24 Victorian Family Violence Database

The Crime Statistics Agency has today (4 December 2024) released key family violence measures from the 2023-24 Victorian Family Violence Database. 

There was a significant increase in the number of family violence incidents recorded by police statewide, with figures reaching a new high of 98,816 incidents in 2023-24. This was a 6% increase on the previous year. The increase was in part driven by increases in incidents involving former partners and new perpetrators not previously recorded for incidents by police. Increases were also seen in family violence involving child victims, and victims aged 65 or older. 

Over the past 5 years, several incident-related risk factors were increasingly reported to police. The proportion of incidents involving stalking/harassment, sexual assault, threats or harm to a family pet, controlling or jealous behaviour by the perpetrator, or financial difficulties all increased by 30% or more.

The Crime Statistics Agency’s Chief Statistician, Fiona Dowsley, said “the increase in these specific risk factors is notable. This increase may suggest that the number of family violence incidents recorded by police involving coercive control in Victoria is rising. In the context of increased public awareness and increased recognition of the range of behaviours that can constitute family violence, however, it may also be the result of increased reporting by those impacted by family violence and increased recording of these risk factors by Victoria Police”.

For the first time this year, the Family Violence Database also includes data from The Orange Door. This service supports people experiencing family violence, those caring for children and young people, and people using family violence who want to change their behaviour.

“This year’s database provides an in-depth look at services provided by The Orange Door. Monitoring and publication of these statistics is important for increasing our understanding of how services are supporting Victorians and changing behaviour” Ms Dowsley said. 

The 2023-24 Family Violence Dashboard can be accessed here: https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/family-violence-data/family-violence-dashboard (External link)

For further information please contact: 

Crime Statistics Agency

info@crimestatistics.vic.gov.au (External link)