General News
27 November, 2025
16 Days of Activism begins amid increase in local family violence
As locals prepare to acknowledge the 16 Days of Activism campaign, a local police superintendent has admitted there has been a continuous increase in the reporting of family violence incidents across the Wimmera.
As of June 2025, family incidents were up 2.6 per cent on the previous financial year, with 716 family violence reports made, compared to 698 in the 12 months from July 2023 to June 2024.
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, which filters data into local government areas, females between the ages of 25 and 34 are the most likely victims.
The offender is most likely male, aged 35-44.
In 549 family incidents reported across Horsham, the affected family member was female, while in 167 reports, they were male.
The data also highlights that the offence of breaching an order has overtaken assault and related offences in the last financial year.
By the end of June 2025, there were 304 recorded breaches of orders and 257 recorded assaults and offences related, flipping the trend from the 2023/24 financial year, when there were 261 assaults and offences related and 226 breaches of orders.
Divisional Commander - Western Region Division Four Superintendent Sharon McCrory said police stand united in their message that family violence is completely unacceptable.
"We all have the right to live free from violence and to feel safe wherever we are," she said.
“Our members work tirelessly to apprehend family violence perpetrators and bring them before the courts."
She encouraged victims to seek help from their local police or support services.
"If you’re ready, speak to us, speak to someone, but please reach out," Supt. McCrory said.
There will be numerous activities held across the Wimmera from November 25 to December 10 to mark 16 Days of Activism - a campaign against gendered violence.
Beginning on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ending on Human Rights Day, the campaign's purpose is to call for the elimination and prevention of violence against girls and women across the world.
While the Horsham Rural City Council haven't yet confirmed how they will acknowledge the campaign, the Hindmarsh Shire Council would do so by hosting several "Run for Respect" events across their municipality.
The event will include a colour run and barbecue tea with dates and times as follows:
- Jeparit Riverbank Precinct, on December 1, from 6-8pm.
- Rainbow Recreation Reserve, on December 2, from 6-8pm.
- Dimboola Soundshell, on December 8, from 6-8pm.
- Jaypex Park, Nhill, on December 9, from 6-8pm.
Community members, clubs, organisations and schools are encouraged to attend and show their support.