The Family Violence Report, a risk-assessment and management tool designed to keep victims safer and hold more perpetrators to account, was launched across the state yesterday.
The rollout will allow police to complete reports in the field as soon as possible after an incident, allowing them to make referrals immediately.
Completion of the FVR then generates a score that predicts the likelihood of future family violence and severe family violence, and helps determine who should manage the investigation.
Family Violence Command Assistant Commissioner Dean McWhirter said family violence and violence against women was at the core of police work, accounting for approximately 40 to 60 per cent of frontline police time.
“The FVR gives police more guidance and confidence to make improved decisions based on the information they collect, combined with enhanced training and professional judgement," Asst Comm McWhirter said.
“Police officers will also be better equipped to understand the intricacies of relationships to determine the risk level ... it also allows police to collect consistent information to better track repeat offenders and those who breach intervention orders."
Over the 12 months to March this year, Victoria Police responded to more than 81,000 incidents of family violence.
Asst Comm McWhirter said the FVR was piloted over two years in two divisions, with positive feedback gathered from sector staff and police officers involved.
“Combined with specialist responses, (the FVR has) led to a significant reduction in severe harm from family violence in the two-year pilot," he said.
The Family Violence Report has been supported by funding of more than $3 billion for police, with 3,135 new frontline police, new police resources and stronger police powers and laws.
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