High rates of family violence over Christmas and New Year put domestic violence helpline staff on standby throughout the summer period.
For some people, Christmas and the summer holiday period is the most dangerous time of the year, with rates of family domestic violence skyrocketing. Support is available to help men to choose not to use violence. The Men's Referral Service is launching its Safer Summer campaign this week to encourage better choices this summer.
Victoria
December 2021 saw Victoria Police attended 8,388 family incidents attended – an increase of 11 % above the monthly average for the year. And on New Year's Day 2022, there were 424 family incidents – an 80% increase from the year prior.
NSW
Six family violence murders were recorded in January 2022, accounting for 25 per cent of recorded family violence murders from July 2021 – June 2022.
Northern Territory
58% more family domestic violence assault incidents on New Years' Day.
Queensland
112% more family domestic violence assault incidents on New Years' Day, acknowledging too that Queensland has also experienced its most shocking year for men's violence against police.
Tasmania
75% more family domestic violence assault incidents on New Years' Day.
Western Australia
In the 2018-19 Christmas-New Year period, there was an average of 227 daily reports of family violence. This was a 26% increase from the daily average of 180 reports across the year.
No to Violence CEO Jacqui Watt said the family domestic violence sector is no stranger to the spike during this time and is encouraging the community to not be bystanders and support people experiencing and using violence.
"The evidence base demonstrates that family violence is most frequently used by men to exercise power and control over women and children. '
"We all like to overindulge a little during this period and to let off steam. But this does not mean we aren't accountable for our behaviour.
"By inviting and engaging men to consider their behaviour and seek meaningful change by calling the Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491), we can reduce repeated incidents of family domestic violence, and provide safer households and communities for women, children and men."
Support is available to help men to stop choosing to use violence. Men's Referral Service is available on 1300 766 491.
