Jennifer Pittorino
Family violence incidents increased by 18.8 per cent in Maribyrnong in the year ending in June 2023, according to new Crime Statistics Agency [CSA] data released on Thursday.
The data reflected 1217 total family incidents reported in the 12 months to June, compared to the 1024 reported in the previous 12 months.
Of the offences, 910 of those affected were women family members, while 307 were men family members, the most common age group affected being 25-34 years old.
Maribyrnong Local Area Commander Inspector Paul Morgan said the issue of family violence is a major priority for the police.
“No one should ever have to feel unsafe in their own home,” he said.
“The statistics indicate Maribyrnong police are continuing to arrest offenders for breaching family violence orders, with an increase of 29% since pre-pandemic.
“This can be attributed to the proactive work of dedicated members, who are knocking on the doors of victims and perpetrators to ensure offenders know they are being monitored, victims feel supported, and possible breaches are more easily identified.”
The Crime Statistics Agency data showed family incidents increased by 1.8 per cent in the last 12 months.
While family violence incidents increased in Maribyrnong, there was a 9.1 per cent decrease in the overall number of offences in the municipality in the 12 months to June.
In Footscray, there were 3050 offences in the period, which increased from 2798 in the previous 12 months.
In Braybrook, there was decrease in offences, 1692 were recorded in the 12 months to June in comparison to 1397 in the previous year.
There was also a decrease in the overall offences in Hobsons Bay, with a 9.1 per cent decrease in the year ending June 2023.
There were 5647 recorded offences during the June 2022 to June 2023 period in Hobsons Bay, compared to the 6211 recorded offences recorded in the previous year.
Criminal offences recorded in Williamstown, Altona Meadows and Altona all increased in the recording period.
Crime in Laverton decreased with 643 offences recorded in the period, in comparison to 676 the previous 12 months.
