Jennifer Pittorino
Family violence incidences have increased by 22 per cent in Maribyrnong in the year ending in March 2023, according to new Crime Statistics Agency [CSA] data released on Thursday.
The data reflected 1211 total family incidences reported in the 12 months to March, compared to the 993 reported in the previous 12 months.
Of the offences, 906 of those affected were women family members, while 304 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 will continue to be a major priority for Maribyrnong police.
“No one should ever have to feel unsafe in their own home,” he said.
“This is why our local police, including detectives from the family violence investigation unit are out every day and knocking on doors of offenders to ensure they know they are being monitored and reassuring victims that they are supported across the Maribyrnong area.
“Victoria Police has come a long way in developing our response to family violence and the increase in the number of incidents can also be linked to the fact the community has more confidence in reporting these crimes to us.”
The Crime Statistics Agency said family incidents increased by 2.5 per cent in the last 12 months, with 93,091 incidents recorded across the state.
In Maribyrnong there was a 0.2 per cent decrease in the overall number of offences in the municipality in the 12 months to March.
In Footscray, there were 2860 offences in the period, which increased from 2,790 on the previous 12 months.
In Braybrook, the data reflected a decrease in offences, 1323 were recorded in the 12 months to March in comparison to 1509 in the previous year.
Recorded criminal offences have decreased by 0.8 per cent across Hobsons Bay in the year ending March 2023.
The data showed there were 5838 recorded offences during the March 2022 to March 2023 period in Hobsons Bay, which was a slight decrease compared to the 5883 recorded offences recorded in the previous year.
Criminal offences recorded in Williamstown, Altona North, Laverton, and Newport all increased in the recording period.
Crime in Altona Meadows decreased with 827 offences recorded in the period, in comparison to 991 the previous 12 months.
