Gippsland's family violence crisis as Wellington records 1,484 police calls in 2024

Wellington Shire has recorded a disturbing 14 percent spike in family and domestic violence incidents in 2024, with nearly 1,500 calls to police.

Councillor Carmel Ripper revealed the sobering statistics during a council meeting on May 6, painting a concerning picture of the region's family violence situation.

"In 2024, Wellington recorded 1,484 calls to police for family violence, a 14 percent increase," Councillor Ripper told the chamber. She continued by saying that Gippsland as a whole had seen a “17 percent rise in serious assaults related to family violence”.

According to statistics released by Family Violence in Gippsland, every local government area in Gippsland recorded a 12 percent or more increase in calls to police for assistance in 2024.

East Gippsland Shire recorded the highest increase compared with 2023 statistics, with 2,290 calls for assistance, a 28.4 percent increase from 2023. 

Per 100,000 people, East Gippsland Shire has the highest rates of family violence support calls in all of Victoria.

Latrobe Valley has the second highest in the state and Wellington Shire the seventh highest in 2024.

Wellington Shire also recorded 1,174 incidents of individuals breaching a family violence intervention order.

Wellington Shire Mayor Scott Rossetti said “it’s one of the things that we don’t want to be leaders in, in terms of violent statistics, but unfortunately we’re right up there. The more work we can do to eradicate that violence, the better”.

Councillor Ripper attended the candlelight vigil for victims of domestic and family violence at the Sale Clocktower on the evening of Wednesday, May 7. Residents were encouraged to bring a candle torch or phone light to take part in this moment of reflection.

“Let’s come together to remember those who we’ve lost, support those who have been affected and commit to ending family violence in our communities,” she said.

The Gippsland Monitor attended the candlelight vigil in Warragul last Wednesday night.

The Wellington Shire’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 states that one of its health and equality goals is to “increase community activities that focus on eliminating gender-based and family violence.”

If you’re a victim of family and domestic violence or you know someone who needs help, contact Safe Steps at 1800 015 188 for 24/7 support.

In Gippsland, Quantum Support Services and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault are also able to provide resources and support.