Crime Statistics Agency data shows 2013 family violence incidents were recorded across the region in the year to June 2026, down from 2442 the year prior.
Women made up 1533 of affected family members, compared to 480 men, with those aged between 25 and 34 most affected.
Despite the dip, VincentCare Victoria says the need for its business hours support to help victim-survivors escape or navigate domestic or family violence situations has doubled in 2025-26 compared to the previous year.
The service saw 633 new clients access support across refuge, crisis accommodation, safe planning and financial aid.
Hume Community hub leader for Shepparton Marie Murfet said the closeness of regional life could keep people quiet.
“In tight-knit regional communities it can be harder to come forward for fear of judgment, increased risk to safety, or repercussions from friends and family of the person using violence,” Ms Murfet said.
After hours support, meanwhile, has held steady, with 130 referrals from Safe Steps in each of the past two years.
Many of those were for regional women needing to relocate because the risk at home was too high.
Shepparton Family Violence Investigation Unit and Sexual Offences Child Abuse Investigation Team Detective Senior Sergeant Cherrie McCaig said family violence was ultimately about control and Shepparton police worked tirelessly to hold offenders accountable.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and live free from family violence,” Det Sen Sgt McCaig said.
“We know there are many factors that lead to family violence, but ultimately it occurs in the context of power and control.
“We proactively knock on the doors of perpetrators, carry out patrols and conduct regular operations to hold them to account.”
Det Sen Sgt McCaig said repeat offenders were more common in regional areas, and that family violence was rising faster in regional areas, compared to metropolitan areas.
She pointed to the greater use of drugs and alcohol, higher unemployment rate and victims’ reluctance to speak out in a close-knit community.
“We also want to assure victim-survivors local police are here to help,” she said.
The issues reaches far beyond the Greater Shepparton.
Statewide, 17,277 sexual offences against a person were recorded in the year to March 2026, and nationally 1800Respect answered more than 350,000 calls in 2025-26.
“Violence of any kind is not okay. It is important that people know that whatever their situation, there is help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” a 1800RESPECT spokesperson said.
While numbers across Greater Shepparton have dropped, the issue still remains, with demand at local services suggesting the problem is not going away, only that it may be harder to see.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, including sexual harassment, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
