Crime Statistics Agency figures revealed a 51 per cent increase in family violence reports from Ararat over the past five years, and a 60 per cent rise in the Northern Grampians local government area over the same period.

Experts believe the increase was the result of greater awareness, more willingness to report and, sadly, the ongoing violence that continues in homes and relationships across the state.

“We know through research that family violence is an under-reported crime,” a police representative said.

“Because of this we hope to continue to see an increase in the number of incidents reported to police. Over the past five years we have seen an increase in the rates of reporting of family violence incidents, which we believe is partially due to increased confidence in police responses to family violence.”

Both municipalities were in the top 15 of the 79 Victorian local government areas.

Family violence intervention program coordinator Bob Maika said bystanders were now more likely to report their concerns.

“Once upon a time if you were a neighbour or bystander, people were reluctant to become involved. People aren’t necessarily sitting on their hands these days, they are reporting it.”

The past five years of Victoria Police domestic violence reports were released in response to a recommendation from the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence that a public family violence database be established.

The statistics show rural and regional locations have higher rates of family violence than metro areas, with Latrobe in the state’s east and Mildura in the north west recording the highest family violence rates in the state.

“There are a whole lot of factors and, while not an excuse for violence, there are contributing factors like unemployment and the isolation of being in country areas and small towns,” Mr Maika said.