Family violence impacts on children

By Monique Preston

Sep 6, 2023

Stamp it out: Family violence has impacts on children who are exposed to it. Photo by Cath Grey

Three out of four children exposed to family violence have a future interaction with the justice system within five years as either victims or perpetrators, according to a Crime Statistics Agency report.

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This National Child Protection Week, police are urging the community to understand the seriousness of family violence and its impact on children.

Family violence is a crime that occurs among all types of families and affects children in many different ways, with police continuing to respond to many family violence incidents involving children every year across the state.

Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show the number of family violence incidents with a child recorded as present has increased by 33 per cent in the past five years.

There were 33,449 family violence incidents with a child recorded as present statewide in the year to March.

Exposure to family violence can have significant long-term impacts on children and youth, including poor mental wellbeing and academic outcomes, and behavioural problems, according to police.

Family violence takes many forms and is not just about physical violence.

It includes coercive and controlling behaviour, including threats, intimidation, isolation, financial control and psychological and sexual abuse.

Perpetrators may not subject a child to these behaviours directly, but this does not lessen the impact of living in that abusive environment, police said.

Police provide safety for victims who make a report, and refer them to support services to get the help they need.

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence, please seek help from the police or a support service.

Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au

In an emergency call 000.

Victoria Police Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said family violence was a crime that didn’t discriminate.

“It continues to be a significant source of harm to the Victorian community – and it’s important to recognise it’s not just confined to couples – it affects children.

“Children who witness violence in the home, or see one parent being completely controlled by another, suffer stress and anxiety from the experience.

“We cannot assume that the trauma of family violence is something children just get over eventually, when the facts show the opposite.”