Police are urging all members of the community to be vigilant this season and to report family violence. 

Western Division Family Violence Unit Sergeant Justin Johnston said Christmas was the busiest time of the year for family violence unit members who attended the most horrific incidences of violence. 

“Unfortunately, it’s probably the busiest time of the year and there are a number of factors (contributing to this),” Sergeant Johnston said.

“There are certain pressures around Christmas and there’s the alcohol factor. People tend to drink more than what they do during the year, and then tempers get frayed and people get edgy.”

Assault related offences increased by close to 15 per cent from September 2015-16, police data shows. 

“We see an increase in family violence to the point that the family violence court has to put on additional hearings right throughout January,” Sergeant Johnston said.

“(Family violence) does not have to be physical violence. It can be verbal abuse.” 

Sergeant Johnston has pleaded with anyone who witnesses family violence to speak out. 

“People must speak out, if they are seeing or hearing violence they need to call triple-0. 

“There are documented murders where no one has called triple-0 when  they have witnessed or suspected family violence.” 

Reporting family violence also remains crucial to curbing the cycle of violence, Sergeant Johnston said.

“If children witness family violence, the impact is massive. It leads to a never ending cycle and we need to break that cycle,” he said. 

Ballarat Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant has also urged drivers to remain focused and vigilant on the road. He said the number of people who tested positive for drink-driving out a weekend blitz was “in the double figures”. Results showed that anyone planning to drink should leave their car at home, Senior Sergeant Cleary said.

“We have booze bus operations targeting back roads and rat runs, where we have apprehended several people who tested over the legal limit,” he said. 

“Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and give yourself three seconds between your and the car in front of you.”