Family violence needs govt leadership: RC

Drug and alcohol experts have told Victoria's royal commission into family violence there needs to be strong government leadership to bring about change.

Commissioner Marcia Neave at the Royal Commission into Family Violence

Commissioner Marcia Neave at the Royal Commission into Family Violence (AAP) Source: AAP

The alcohol industry can be expected to push back against any attempt by Victoria to restrict or limit sales as part of policies that condemn alcohol-fuelled violence, say experts.

Victoria has the most liquor licences per capita of any state, and the number of "big box" liquor stores has risen from five in 1998 to more than 70, says Cate Car, the government's executive director of liquor and gaming policy.

Drug and alcohol experts told a royal commission into family violence on Friday that a 10 per cent alcohol price rise in parts of Canada had reduced reports of violence by 10 per cent.

Packaged alcohol restrictions in northern Western Australia saw 23 per cent fewer women show up at shelters, the hearing was told.

La Trobe University PhD candidate Ingrid Wilson said strong government leadership was needed to change alcohol sale policies.

"We have an industry that will have vested interests and will oppose anything that will actually inhibit their bottom line, but that's what we have government for - some leadership," she said.

Melbourne University social work professor Cathy Humphreys said existing practice allowing vested interests to influence policy was "appalling" and needed to be challenged.

Condemning family and alcohol-fuelled violence in ways similar to that used with drink driving campaigns that changed community attitudes is another potential solution offered to the commission.

Deakin University associate professor Peter Miller said strong, shocking advertising campaigns and public education were needed, but funding services had to be a priority.

"If you allow alcohol to be advertised by companies to every kid who idolises a sports person then put on one single little advert that says 'don't drink too much', it's a joke," he said.

Victoria Police is considering US policies including drug and alcohol monitoring ankle bracelets or daily breath testing for alleged violent offenders in combination with drug and alcohol abstinence bail conditions.

Superintendent Tim Hansen said justice organisations would have to work together for those ideas to be feasible.

The hearings will continue on Monday.


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Source: AAP


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