The latest crime data shows there was a five per cent drop in the number of reports of family violence from the 2016-17 financial year compared to the following 12 months.

In the 2017-18 financial year there were 652 reports of family violence made to police in Warrnambool compared to 686 in the previous 12 months.

In the past financial year, Warrnambool police have also had an increased number of stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour charges with 114 offences in the past financial year compared to 83 in the previous financial year.

In Corangamite, there were 176 reports of family violence for the 2017-18 financial year compared to 221 in the 2016-17 financial year.

In Moyne there was one less report of family violence in the 2017-18 financial year, with 101 reported in the 2017-18 financial year and 102 in the previous 12 months.

In the Glenelg Shire there was drop of 31 per cent of reports with 407 made in the 2016-17 financial year compared to 278 in the 2017-18 financial year.

Warrnambool police Acting Inspector Steve Thompson said police had been very proactive when tackling family violence.

“Whilst we haven’t seen an increase in the reporting of family violence incidents, we’ve seen an increase in police charges relating to family violence,” he said.

“So it’s the manner... about how we deal with family violence and we’re very proactive in charging people and holding perpetrators to account and that’s also a factor that’s driving assaults. 

“We’ve certainly got a zero tolerance policy for assaults in general but with an increased focus on family violence assaults.

“Whilst we’re seeing more people before the court, we’re not necessarily seeing an increase of family violence events. So we see that as a good sign.”