Statistics released today from the Crime Statistics Agency that show a 6 per cent fall in youth crime in Victoria up to March 2026, and a 1.9 per cent decrease in recorded offences, are a sign that the Victorian Government's Adult Time for Violent Crime laws are an over-reaction when evidence-based alternatives are more effective at making our community safe, according to Jesuit Social Services.
"The latest crime statistics cover a period which largely did not include the Adult Time for Violent Crime laws – which only became fully operational at the end of February. Given that the evidence shows that incarceration only makes re-offending more likely compared with evidence-based alternatives, the Government needs to seriously invest in diversion for young people rather than celebrating teenagers being denied bail," said Julie Edwards CEO of Jesuit of Social Services.
"It has been acknowledged by Victorian Police and the Victorian Government that organised criminals are engaged in the systemic exploitation of some of our society's most vulnerable children. Despite passing multiple pieces of legislation focussed on young people, the Government has failed to invest seriously in prevention and support for these young people and has only recently promised legislation focussed on organised criminals." "We have worked closely with young people in the justice system for nearly 50 years and have direct contact with many of this group of young people – they, and their families, are often the subject of very serious threats if they do not cooperate. They have also often been the victims of violence themselves, have disabilities or cognitive impairments, insecure housing and a range of other vulnerabilities. If we want to break the cycle of offending, we need to be supporting these young people, not locking them up."
"We need to be providing these vulnerable young people with a real chance to change the course of their lives and the evidence is clear: detention only makes re-offending more likely. Incarceration not only traumatises and brutalises young people – especially children under the age of 18 – it also makes them more likely to offend and much more vulnerable to further exploitation." says Ms Edwards.
