New Victoria Police data shows an alarming rise in family violence in the City of Whittlesea.
The figures show an average of 45 incidents of family violence were reported in the municipality every week in the 2013-14 financial year – an increase of almost 36 per cent over the two previous years.
The statistics show Whittlesea’s rates of family violence have increased 268 per cent since 2000, compared to 172 per cent state-wide.
Victoria Police’s Whittlesea family violence unit is working to reverse the trend. Led by Sergeant Chris Lalor, the Mill Park-based unit works in partnership with the council and community groups to promote awareness and give women the confidence to make reports.
The former detective said the family violence unit saw between four and 12 women reporting family violence every day, but she said much more was not reported.
Whittlesea’s Acting Inspector Stuart Morris said living in the outer suburbs was a huge factor in the prevalence of family violence.
“We have an eclectic mix of backgrounds, with different migrant groups moving into the area because of the affordable housing. That in itself brings problems,” he said.
“There is limited public infrastructure, people are looking for jobs and these pressures build up.”
Despite the alarming statistics, Whittlesea mayor Mary Lalios said the state government had overlooked the city for crucial funding.
In the lead-up to the state election, the Whittlesea Community Futures Partnership (WCFP), made up of 45 multi-disciplinary agencies including the council, is seeking government funding for four projects.
“We’re calling for $1.1 million in state and federal government support to prevent and respond locally to violence against women and children,” Cr Lalios said.
The council wants a culturally and linguistically diverse family violence project, primary prevention in schools, additional local specialist family violence services, and increased access to men’s behaviour change programs.
“This critical funding can make a meaningful difference,” Cr Lalios said.
The City of Whittlesea is one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities and its rapid transformation stretches services and infrastructure to the limits. A tipping point has been reached, with families on the edge. The Whittlesea Community Futures Partnership pledges to:
■ Advocate for fairer distribution of resources for the growing communities of the City of Whittlesea to ensure we create liveable communities in Melbourne’s fringe.
■ Work together in reducing the service gaps and improving the life outcomes of City of Whittlesea communities to ensure they are not disadvantaged by where they live.
■ Work in partnership with all levels of the government to support and ensure they fulfil their obligations in building sustainable and liveable communities in the City of Whittlesea.
Northern Weekly is supporting the initiative.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
You can sign the Fairer Funding petition at www.fairerfunding.com.au, share stories through video and photos on the Fairer Funding Facebook page about how a lack of services affects you, and check the campaign’s progress on Twitter by following @fairerfunding.
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