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2mo ago

Report Exposes Bias in Victoria Police’s Family Violence Response and Fuels Community-Led Model Calls

Victoria Police emphasise completion of comprehensive training in family violence identification plus cultural awareness alongside a specialist unit dedicated to police-perpetrated abuse victims.

A graphic shows a pregnant woman and two police officers behind police tape and lights
A new report into police responses to family violence in the state has found they can bring harm or replicate power and control dynamics that underpin abuse.
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Overview

  • A Flat Out Inc survey of 225 frontline experts found 90% witnessed police discrimination or bias and 83% saw victims misidentified as perpetrators.
  • The report documented instances of officers minimising violence, colluding with abusers and shielding abusive colleagues from accountability.
  • Researchers highlighted disproportionate targeting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, migrants, LGBTQI individuals and those with disabilities.
  • Authors urged a shift away from police-led interventions toward investment in community-driven response models for survivors.
  • Victoria Police said all officers have completed extensive family violence and cultural awareness training and announced a specialist unit to support victims of police-perpetrated violence.