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Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025
Outside the box.
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.
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.
