Ted Baillieu, Victorian Premier, has unveiled a plan to curb family violence.

The plan contains initiatives such as working with schools to incorporate more respectful relationships.

Working with the media on reporting domestic violence.

As well as creating community awareness of domestic violence and how to respond.

Premier Baillieu said “violence against women and children is just not acceptable under any circumstance. We all have a responsibility to act to ensure it is not tolerated, that it is never tolerated, not excused and not ignored.”

Felicity Broughton, Deputy Chief Magistrate, said “more resources were needed to prosecute Intervention Order violators because of a very large increase in cases”.

Jill Hennessy, Opposition crime prevention spokeswoman, agreed that the courts were buckling under the strain.

Last year there were more than 40,000 finalised intervention order applications.

Tim Cartwright, Deputy Commissioner, said that police had to contend with 30,000 intervention orders at any particular time.

In 2011 – 2012 police attended 50,382 family incidents – 23.4% more than the previous year and laid 17,528 charges – up 45% on the previous year.

For victims of crime support and advice call 1800 000 055 or go to www.victimsofcrime.com.au

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