Victoria Police's response to family violence continues to be bolstered with a new dedicated training centre and more specialists rolled out across the state.
The launch of the Centre of Learning for Family Violence comes as 207 new family violence specialists commence their roles next month, working across every policing division across Victoria to prevent and reduce the harms of family violence.
By January 2020 there will be 415 trained specialist investigators, completing Victoria Police's transition to state-wide Family Violence Investigation Units (FVIUs) with dedicated detectives and intelligence practitioners embedded into the teams.
Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said the new centre, based at the Victoria Police Academy, will lead the organisation's education and training efforts in ensuring police officers are more capable to respond and provide support to family violence victims.
"The latest crime statistics show police attended more than 79,000 incidents across the state in 2018, an increase of more than three per cent compared to the previous year.
"This means that about every six minutes, a police officer comes into contact with someone who has been the victim of physical or sexual assault, manipulation or abuse of power or control by someone who they trust, often in their own home," DC Nugent said.
"Behind each statistic is someone whose life has been profoundly impacted by this heinous crime.
"The new centre will ensure officers at all ranks are better equipped with the capabilities and confidence to support some of our most vulnerable community members and hold perpetrators to account.
"The training will provide police officers with specialised and evidence-based training to improve their understanding of the complexities of family violence, and keep victims at the centre of their response."
The centre has 40 specialist educators made up of police officers, senior instructors and family violence training officers. The two-level building can accommodate up to 110 staff members, and will house other police specialist units.
The facility is equipped with a simulation space, a 60-seat auditorium, 15 syndicate rooms and five classrooms.
It is equipped with contemporary learning equipment, including systems capable of live streaming, providing regional and rural police employees across Victoria with access to education and training.
The new facility will also strengthen police collaboration with community, government and family violence service providers.
DC Nugent said the establishment of the centre, a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, represents a positive opportunity for Victoria Police to shape its future training and response to family violence.
"This is an exciting time for Victoria Police, and we look forward to seeing the centre deliver improved learning outcomes for officers and employees, to help all Victorians live free from violence."
