News Service from House Harris

Vic: Police anticipate spike in Christmas domestic violence

MELBOURNE, Dec 19 AAP - Family violence is expected to peak over the Christmas holiday season, with shocking new statistics showing New Year's Day is the worst day for incidences of abuse.

Almost 170 reports of domestic abuse were filed on January 1 this year, nearly twice the daily average of 87 in the 2007-08 financial year, Victoria Police revealed on Friday.

Over the last Christmas holiday period - Christmas Day through to New Year's Day - police around the state dealt with a total of 991 cases of abuse.

Launching a new community awareness drive, Deputy Commissioner Simon Overland said while issues such as financial hardship or alcohol were factors, there was no excusing violence in the home.

"Christmas and New Year should be a time of coming together, enjoying one another's company and most of all being safe," Mr Overland said.

"If a situation is getting out of control, go for a walk, leave the house because if we come along we've got new powers available to us that will allow us to take action, that can include excluding you from your family home for up to 72 hours.

"It's important people understand that, it's important that people understand that violence at any time is unacceptable, particularly violence directed at women and children.

"If it happens, we will take the necessary action."

Under new "safety notices" introduced in Victoria earlier this month, police have the power to immediately remove offenders from the home for up to 72 hours.

Family violence campaigner Jane Ashton - whose twin sister Julie Ramage was killed by her estranged husband - urged victims and witnesses to take action to avoid incidences of domestic abuse.

"On New Year's Eve in 1993, I watched my twin sister be pushed to the ground by her husband and I did nothing. Ten years later he murdered her," Ms Ashton said.

James Ramage was controversially acquitted of his wife's murder but convicted on the lesser charge of manslaughter.

"The Christmas holiday period can be a nightmare for women and children who live with abusive men. When all you wish for at Christmas is not to be hurt, it's a very sorry state of affairs," Ms Ashton said.

"Women can avoid becoming another holiday statistic by contacting police or crisis services.

"If you, like me, have witnessed an incident and have concerns about someone you can make that call and get some advice.

"I wish my new year's resolution back in 1993 had been to help my sister. He might have been charged and she might still be alive."