As the AFL finals season progresses, family violence services across western Victoria are bracing for an annual spike.
“Every year at this time we see violence escalate across the south west, particularly where alcohol and gambling are involved,” Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (SAFV) CEO Kerriann Campbell-Jones told the Brolga.
“Neither of those things causes violence, but they make it more severe and more frequent for families who are already living with it.”
In 2018, former Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton told The Age police prepare for a 20 percent spike in violence against women on AFL Grand Final day each year.
In the most recent data available, across the 2024 grand final long weekend 796 incidents were reported statewide, a nine percent increase on 2023.
The local picture: In the Warrnambool police service area, breaches of family violence and intervention orders climbed from 949 in March 2025 to 1,235 in March 2026, almost double the number in 2018.
Regional barriers: Campbell-Jones said the circumstances around living regionally compound the danger for women who try to leave abusive situations.
“The nearest safe place might be an hour's drive away, and on a long weekend emergency accommodation is scarcer and more expensive than ever,” she said.
“In a small town, the person using violence may coach your kids' team, drink at the same pub or sit two rows over at the club.”
Staying safe: It’s in this context that safety guidance from organisations like the Escape to Better Foundation is circulated each year.
The foundation said people who may be concerned about their safety, or that of their children or pets, should consider arranging to be out of the house during games, organising play dates for kids or pet care, or having friends or family visit while a game is on to lower tension.
It said these are “things you can do to reduce your risk while you prepare your escape plan”.
Campbell-Jones encouraged women to speak to a service like the SAFV Centre ahead of time to arrange a tailored safety plan.
“I want to be clear. The onus should never be on women and children to plan their weekend around a man's behaviour. The responsibility sits entirely with the person choosing to use violence.”
Preventing violence: SAFV Centre is working with local football clubs through the Respect Starts Here program to build a culture of respect within regional men's sports organisations.
“In country Victoria the footy and netball club is the heart of the town. It's where our kids grow up, where families spend their weekends and where culture is set. That makes our clubs the most powerful place to start,” Campbell-Jones said.
“This is not about blaming men or blaming football. It is about clubs leading the way. We need greater and longer-term funding to bring Respect Starts Here to every club from Portland to Colac and up to Hamilton.”
Change is possible: For men who felt they were at risk of acting violently, Campbell-Jones said it was not weak to seek support.
“If nights when the footy is on usually end with your family feeling afraid, that is the sign it's time to get help, and there is help available wherever you live,” Campbell-Jones said, pointing to the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
“It's a great opportunity to have a conversation with someone and say, ‘This is what my experience is, this is how I'm feeling’, and they can connect you with the right services out there if you're concerned about your friends, neighbours, work buddies, whoever it is, they're there to help.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through SAFV Centre on 5222 4318 and 1800Respect on 1800 737 732.
Orange Door and Emma House are also local services available for help. In an emergency, call 000.