Easter is meant to be a time of safety, rest, connection and care - yet for too many Victorian families, it is a time when family violence escalates behind closed doors.
New Crime Statistics Agency data shows assaults and breaches of intervention orders remain the most common family violence offences during the Easter period, reinforcing the devastating reality that family violence does not pause for holidays.
There were 1,471 family violence incidents statewide between Good Friday and Easter Monday last year.
Easter Sunday alone recorded 368 incidents, including 171 breaches of orders and 90 assaults against victim‑survivors.
Across the full Easter period, police responded to 688 breaches of intervention orders and 361 assaults. Other incidents included sexual offences, stalking, harassment, threatening behaviour and property damage.
Behind these numbers are real people - and too often, children.
Children are frequently present in homes where family violence occurs. Even when they are not directly assaulted, exposure to violence, threats, coercion and fear can have lasting impacts on their safety, wellbeing and development.
For many children, holiday periods that should bring joy instead bring anxiety, instability and trauma.
Police know that many breaches of intervention orders are committed using technology, with perpetrators using mobile phones and social media to harass, threaten and control victims remotely - extending harm beyond physical proximity and making it harder for families to feel safe.
Easter continues to rank as one of the most prevalent holidays for family violence after Christmas and New Year's.
Increased contact between family members, financial pressure and heightened stress can all contribute to risk - but violence is always a choice, and it is never acceptable.
Family violence occurs in a context of power and control. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds and communities - and its impacts ripple far beyond the immediate incident, shaping lives long after the police response has ended.
Victoria Police is sending a clear message this Easter: family violence will not be tolerated.
Police will be working around the clock, with a strong and highly visible presence across the state.
Family violence incidents remain a top priority, with proactive patrols, compliance checks, service of intervention orders and the execution of outstanding warrants focused on keeping victim‑survivors and children safe.
Statewide, police arrest an average of 92 family violence perpetrators every day - that's one every 16 minutes.
Victoria Police remains committed to responding to all forms of family violence, holding perpetrators to account, and working alongside specialist services to support victim‑survivors and their children.
If you or someone you know discloses family violence, believe them. Encourage them to seek help.
Police can connect victim‑survivors with specialist family violence services that provide support such as safety planning, accommodation and counselling to help families recover and rebuild.
Crisis support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
If someone is in immediate danger, always call Triple Zero (000).
If you are concerned about your own behaviour or the behaviour of someone you know, the Men's Referral Service (No to Violence) can help people who use violence to change their behaviour - call 1300 766 491.
For more information about what Victoria Police is doing to protect victim‑survivors and children, visit police.vic.gov.au/family‑violence.
Quotes attributable to Family Violence and Safer Communities Commander Sharon McKinnon:
"Easter should be a time when children feel safe, supported and free from fear - not a time when harm escalates behind closed doors."
"Perpetrators should know there is nowhere to hide. Police will be out in force this Easter, prioritising the safety of victim‑survivors and children and holding offenders to account."
"Family violence causes deep and lasting harm - not only to those directly targeted, but to children who witness and live with its impacts. That harm is preventable, and it must stop."
