The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, says urgent action must be taken to address the alarming number of family violence incidents occurring across the region.
Breaches of family violence orders are now either the most frequent or second most frequent criminal offence recorded in all six local government areas within the Euroa electorate, with many towns experiencing rates of family violence more than double the state average.
The latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show family violence incidents have increased sharply in the past year, rising by 21 per cent in Strathbogie, 14 per cent in Mitchell, 21 per cent in Benalla, 3 per cent in Campaspe, 10 per cent in Greater Bendigo, and a staggering 31 per cent in Greater Shepparton.
Compared to the state average, Benalla records 60 per cent more family violence incidents, Greater Shepparton 81 per cent more, Mitchell 46 per cent more, Campaspe 38 per cent more, and Greater Bendigo 35 per cent more.
While Strathbogie sits just above the state average, it still saw a significant year-on-year increase of more than 21 per cent.
“These numbers are showing that our regions remain in the midst of a family violence crisis,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Despite these heartbreaking statistics, towns like Seymour and Benalla do not have dedicated physical points of contact for those experiencing family violence.
“These are towns where family violence incidents outnumber all other criminal offences combined and make up such a large percentage of the local police’s workload.
“Sadly, these same things were said last year, and the data shows the issue has only gotten worse.”
Ms Cleeland said the State Government must stop ignoring regional communities and take meaningful action to address the crisis.
“Improving the safety of women in our region is a priority that needs addressing urgently,” she said.
“The Premier and her Ministers can’t keep dodging responsibility. These figures are proof that Labor’s soft-on-crime approach is failing – and regional Victorians are the ones paying the price.”