Premier Daniel Andrews released proposed terms of reference for the Royal Commission into Family Violence on Monday.

He said family violence was Victoria’s number one law and order issue.

‘‘It can happen to anyone,’’ he said.

‘‘We need a system that protects the vulnerable, punishes the guilty and saves lives.

‘‘The royal commission will give us the answers we need and nothing will be off limits.’’

Mr Ashton said Wimmera police welcomed a royal commission into family violence, to be chaired by Justice Marcia Neave.

‘‘We hope it will provide us with learnings and understandings about the issue,’’ he said.

‘‘We also hope it will provide a guide for better practice in tackling and driving down what is a grave community concern.

‘‘If we don’t know, how can we progress better practice?’’

The terms of reference, to be signed off on by Governor Alex Chernov, task the commission with finding the most effective ways to prevent family violence; improve early intervention; protect those at risk; support victims; and make perpetrators more accountable.

Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Patty Kinnersly said it was pleased to see the royal commission would take a comprehensive approach to the issue.

She said the organisation particularly welcomed a focus on prevention.

‘‘We need to address the underlying causes of violence against women to eradicate it from our communities,’’ she said.

‘‘It is time to challenge the sexist beliefs and attitudes that lead to gender inequality and ultimately underlies violence against women.

‘‘Women’s Health Grampians hopes a positive outcome from the royal commission is increased funding for primary prevention activities at a local and regional level.’’

Intimate partner violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and ill-health in Australian women aged 15 to 44.

In 2013-14, there were 65,393 family incidents reported to Victoria Police, a rise of 83 per cent since 2009-10.

In 2012-13, Wimmera police responded to 893 incidents of family violence.

Wimmera police embarked on a proactive campaign to understand the effect of family violence on the community two years ago.

A specialised police unit tasked with tackling family violence was formed late last year.

The Family Violence Unit aims to make perpetrators more accountable and to keep victims safe.

Mr Ashton said he was pleased with the progress of teams operating out of Horsham and Stawell police stations.

‘‘I get monthly reports from the teams and we are getting some really good responses out of them,’’ he said.

‘‘They are working very hard out there to reduce family violence, which is a huge issue not only in the Wimmera, but across the state.’’

Work on the royal commission is due to start next month.