Responses to Family Violence
Responding to Family Violence in Ballarat.
Creating a Safer Future
A pressing local issue
Family violence remains one of the most urgent social challenges in the Ballarat region, with local incident rates 51 per cent higher than the state average. In Ballarat, police attend approximately six incidents of gender-based violence every day, with children present at 45 per cent of incidents. Tragically, Ballarat has also become central to the national conversation due to the murders of three women.
The impact on our community
Every year, hundreds of women and children experience violence in their homes, often with devastating and long-lasting effects. These figures are not just statistics, they reflect the lived reality of our neighbours, friends and community members.
While increased reporting may suggest greater awareness and willingness to seek help, the demand for crisis response, safe housing, counselling, legal support and long-term recovery continues to grow. This is not an isolated problem, it is systemic and requires a coordinated, compassionate response.
Ballarat Vital Signs Report 2025
The Ballarat Vital Signs 2025 report reveals that family violence continues to rise faster here than across Victoria, with most incidents happening at home.
Family violence continues to rise at a faster rate in Ballarat than across Victoria, with most incidents occurring in the home. Behind these numbers are families and individuals facing fear, disruption and harm. Building awareness, strengthening early intervention and supporting respectful relationships are vital to creating safer homes and communities. The data shows an urgent need for continued local action to prevent violence before it occurs and ensure every person feels safe where they live.
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Respect Starts at Home
Nina FitzSimons shares insights from the Vital Signs report about rising family violence in Ballarat and the community efforts helping to create safer homes and relationships.
Our Commitment to Change
At the Ballarat Foundation, we believe everyone deserves to live in safety and dignity. That’s why we are committed to funding and supporting local initiatives that provide immediate protection, while also working to address the root causes of family violence.
The Ballarat Foundation established the Ballarat Women’s Fund to drive change in this area. The Foundation also provides grants to community groups focused on long-term solutions. In recent years, the Ballarat Women’s Fund has funded Raven Collective in 2024 and Project Sitara through the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council in 2025, supporting projects that empower women, strengthen families, and build safer communities.
We know this issue will not be solved overnight, but by working together with local partners, advocates and the community, we can build a future where safety and dignity are a right for all.
BALLARAT WOMEN's FUND
The Ballarat Foundation established the Ballarat Women’s Fund to address the issue. The Foundation also provides grants to community groups to address long-term solutions. The Ballarat Women’s Fund has funded Raven Collective in 2024 and Project Sitara through Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council in 2025.
Ballarat Women's Fund news
The Ballarat Foundation does not provide emergency assistance or support services to people who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault.
If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call 000.
For sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service call 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 for 24/7 phone and online services.
We work on Wadawurrung land
The Ballarat Foundation acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the lands and waterways in our region. We recognise their diversity, resilience, and the ongoing place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold in our communities. We pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present, and commit to working together in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect and reconciliation.
The Ballarat Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, respected and empowered to thrive.