Focus on the BIG picture.
Saturday, Apr 26, 2025

Victoria Police Faces 'Alarming' Rate of Investigations into Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes

Victoria Police Faces 'Alarming' Rate of Investigations into Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes

Over 3% of Victoria Police workforce scrutinized for alleged criminal behavior in less than six years, sparking concern about organizational culture.
A troubling spotlight has been cast on the Victoria Police, as new figures reveal an alarming volume of investigations involving alleged sex crimes and family violence offences within its ranks.

Since January 2019, a total of 683 officers and public servants have been scrutinized, accounting for over 3% of the force's 22,000-strong workforce, further intensifying concerns about the prevalence of misogyny and abuse within the organization.

Statistics released by the force indicate that 269 individuals were investigated for alleged predatory behavior or sexual harassment, while 185 faced inquiries into alleged sexual offences, including severe charges such as rape, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Additionally, there were 89 instances of family violence investigations in the seven months leading to June 2024.

These investigations were spearheaded by a specialized squad focused on such crimes among the workforce, complementing efforts by local branches.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton labeled the behaviour as abhorrent and deeply concerning.

Speaking to ABC Radio, Patton expressed his dismay: "It's an alarming number, it's a number we don't want to be talking about.

But it also goes to show that we are prepared and do investigate, and we have taken a range of initiatives to really try and put a stop to this behaviour."

Most of those under investigation are uniformed officers, a fact confirmed by Commissioner Patton, who acknowledged the severity of the situation.

"To me, a number like that is high," he stated.

"Anything more than one is high, but when you say you've got between 130 or 140 employees you're investigating on a yearly basis, yes, that's a significant concern."

In response to these issues, Victoria Police established a Sexual Offences and Family Violence Unit within the Professional Standards Command in 2021, enhancing the oversight of these grave matters following a 2014 task force.

This development came after a 2015 review by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, which found ingrained everyday sexism and a high tolerance for sexual harassment within the force's culture.

The force calls on the public to report any concerns or allegations regarding a staff member to local or specialist police, emphasizing that perpetrators may face dismissal even if no criminal offence is proven.

Commenting on the broader societal context, Acting Victorian Premier Ben Carroll underscored that family violence remains the "number one law and order issue in this state," emphasizing the need for decisive action.

"I need to call out that this is gendered, that it is men who are the perpetrators no matter what occupation they're in," he stated.

"We support police doing everything they can to eradicate it and everything they can to support victim-survivors."

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than one in five women and one in 16 men have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

For those affected by family and domestic violence, support is available through 1800RESPECT by calling 1800 737 732, texting 0458 737 732, or visiting their website.

In emergencies, individuals are urged to contact 000.

No To Violence can also be contacted at 1300 766 491 for assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Alberta's Push for Independence Raises Questions About Canada's National Unity
Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser, dies by suicide
"China has survived for five thousand years, most of it without the United States as a market, and it can easily continue to survive without the U.S. market for another five thousand years — no problem," said a China analyst.
Bill Maher Slams Liberals for ‘Trump is Hitler’ Smear: ‘Insult to Holocaust Victims
Elites vs. America: How Democrats Lost the Plot and the People
Pam Bondi Details Wisconsin Judge’s Actions Before Arrest: 'Can't Make This Up'
Not Child’s Play: How Competitive Gaming Became a Global Economic Empire
California Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy
Peter Navarro: The Man Behind Trump’s Tariff Madness
Milwaukee Judge Arrested on Allegations of Aiding Undocumented Immigrant’s Escape
Former U.S. Congressman George Santos sentenced to eighty-seven months for wide-ranging fraud
"They Could Have Saved Him": New Revelations in Maradona Death Trial Shake Argentina
U.S. Intelligence Chief Refers Classified Leak Cases to Justice Department
U.S. Justice Department and DOGE Announce Cuts to Federal Grants Amid Broader Government Efficiency Efforts
Trump administration moves to BAN essentially ALL artificial food dyes in the USA food supply at RFK Jr.'s direction
Woman slaps man at sports game and gets herself and husband beat up
Pope Francis: head of the Catholic church who pushed for social and economic justice
China do not pay these tariffs - you pay it. This is new 145% tax you pay to the US government.
The legacy media will never show you this side of President Trump
In God We Profit
Cultural Battles in the Vatican: The Candidates in the Battle for the Holy See and Pope Francis's Testament
Global Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Death
Wild Chimpanzees Observed Bonding Over Alcoholic Fruit
Greek Christians Celebrate Easter in Thessaloníki
US Federal Reserve Chair Issues Warning on Tariff Impact
UK Prison Officers Demand Electric Stun Guns Amid Safety Concerns
China, China, China!
El Salvador Proposes Prisoner Exchange with Venezuela Amid Deportation Controversy
US Government Defends Deportation of Salvadoran National Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Australian National Charged as Mercenary for Fighting in Ukraine
Israel Considers Limited Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities Amid Diplomatic Efforts
A casino in Mexico burns at the hands of cartels
Prince Andrew Joins Royal Family Attends Easter Sunday Service at Windsor Castle
Pope Francis Makes Brief Appearance at Easter Sunday Mass
Saudi Arabia Offers Max Verstappen Unprecedented Deal to Join Aston Martin
Global Pistachio Shortage Amid Rising Demand for 'Dubai Chocolate'
Trump is assembling a coalition of Western leaders aligned with the MAGA vision, strengthening a unified front for global change
IMF Predicts No Global Recession Amid Trade Tensions
Alphabet Faces Antitrust Setbacks as Federal Judges Rule Against Google
Here’s a police officer with a brilliant gift for swift education
Britain, as is well known, was never truly a democracy, but today it has even stopped bothering to pretend that it is
"Some complain that we put thousands in prison. In reality, we set millions free."
US Billionaires Call for Higher Taxes, but Proposed 'Millionaires Tax' May Not Achieve Desired Outcome
This is Vienna, Austria in 2025.
Designed in US, made in China: Why Apple is stuck in tariff tussle
Boeing Jet Returns to US from China Amid Tariff War
Canadian Federal Election: Candidates' Positions on US-Canada Relations and Donald Trump
Resentencing Hearing for Menendez Brothers Who Killed Their Parents Delayed Amid Legal Disputes
Australian Woman Gives Birth To Stranger's Baby In IVF Mix-up
US Sets Deadline for Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Brokerage
×