'Happening right in front of us': friends urged to call out family violence

Police said bystanders have the power to signal to family violence perpetrators that their abuse is not acceptable.

Victoria Police responded to almost 99,000 family violence reports over the past 12 months, equalling one every five minutes.

"Many acts of family violence happen right in front of us - so we need bystanders to please not ignore it, don't look the other way, and don't make excuses for it," assistant commissioner Lauren Callaway said.

Bystanders were urged to notify police if they saw violent behaviour, noticed signs of abuse or witnessed heated arguments.

Police said these witnesses have "critical information, which can help police to prevent further family violence harm".

"If bystanders witness family violence and it's safe to do so, they can intervene by starting a conversation and asking the victim if they're OK or by using an excuse to get the victim away from the situation safely," assistant commissioner Callaway said.

"This will create separation between both parties and offers a safe space for victims to stay until police arrive.

"Any intervention by a bystander can make a huge difference and signals to perpetrators their behaviour is unacceptable - in turn helping to prevent escalating abuse.

"If the situation is too dangerous however, please call police immediately. We respond to family violence as a priority and will always play our part in keeping victim-survivors safe and holding perpetrators to account."

Victoria Police officers are "standing in solidarity" with victim-survivors and community members in the annual 'Walk Against Family Violence' in Melbourne's CBD on November 22.

The walk kicks off at 11am at Birrarung Marr, near the Yarra River, and is part of the internationally-recognised '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence'.

"We're walking with victim survivors, organisations and community members to raise awareness about family violence and help prevent the crime from occurring," assistant commissioner Callaway said

"Our participation is important in reinforcing to Victorians that family violence is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated," she said.

"It also gives us an opportunity to stand with many people who may be suffering in silence."

If you or someone close to you discloses they are a victim of family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a support service.

Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you can't get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.

For more information on what Victoria Police is doing to protect victim-survivors of family violence visit police.vic.gov.au/family-violence.

Support is available for those who may be distressed:

Phone Lifeline 13 11 14, Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491, 13 Yarn 13 92 76, Kids Helpline 1800 551 800, beyondblue 1300 224 636, 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732