Safety Initiatives

Community safety has a significant impact on health and well being. When people feel safe in their communities, they are more likely to be confident, involved in activities and well-connected socially.

This is reflected in the Hume City Council Plan 2017-2021, which aspires that ‘Hume City is a healthy, safe and welcoming community where all residents are encouraged to live active and fulfilling lives’.

Council works closely with community groups, businesses, and local authorities to develop and implement initiatives that promote community safety in Hume City. This includes Community Safety Month, a nationwide campaign in October.

For more information on community safety initiatives at Hume City Council, contact us.

Safe in Hume: Our Community Safety Plan 2020-2022 outlines Council’s strategic direction for addressing community safety issues within the City. The Plan was informed by the latest safety statistics, and an engagement process that included a community survey and stakeholder workshops. Safe in Hume was adopted by Council in August 2020.

The goal of Safe in Hume is to assist ‘Hume City to be an active, harmonious, safe city where everyone who lives, works or visits participates responsibly without fear or risk of injury’. Four themes have been identified in the Plan:

  1. Community Safety in the public realm
  2. Safety around the home
  3. Transport safety
  4. Family violence and women’s safety

 

Since February 1996, Council has been designated as an International Safe Community by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This international accreditation further demonstrates Council’s commitment to safety promotion and injury prevention across the municipality. It is achieved through the satisfactory meeting of seven key indicators, which have been integrated into Council’s Safe in Hume Plan 2020-2022.

Council was recently re-designated as an International Safe Community in December 2019.

Family violence is any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that occurs in current or past family, domestic or intimate relationships. This includes not only physical injury but direct or indirect threats, sexual assault, emotional and psychological torment, economic control, damage to property, social isolation and any behaviour which causes a person to live in fear.

On average, each week 72 incidents of family violence are reported to police in Hume (2021-22). Statistically, our municipality has the third highest rate of family violence per 100,000 population across metropolitan Melbourne.

Council is a staunch advocate for reducing the prevalence and impact of violence against families and women in the community and works collaboratively with the Victorian Government and the community to provide quality information, education, prevention and response initiatives.

For more information on family violence initiatives supported and delivered by Council contact us.

Help is available

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available. 

  • Victoria Police, 000 - contact police immediately if you or someone you know is in any immediate danger. 
  • Safe Steps, 1800 015 188, safesteps@safesteps.org.au - Victoria's 24/7 domestic and family violence response centre for victim-survivors. Phone and email services are available 24/7. Live web chat is available 9am - 9pm Monday to Friday.
  • 1800 RESPECT, 1800 737 732 - The national sexual assault, domestic violence and family violence counselling service. Phone and online services available 24/7.
  • Men's Referral Service, 1300 766 491 - Provides anonymous and confidential telephone counselling, information and referrals to men, to help them take action to stop using violent and controlling behaviour.

Visit the Roads page to find out more about road safety programs in Hume and how you can report dangerous driving.

A large percentage of people leaving a violent relationship also report pet abuse, and it’s another reason why many victims delay leaving. They fear the animal who has supported and loved them when they needed it most will be at risk if they are left behind. However, it’s not always possible for someone to take their cat or dog with them when leaving an abusive home, especially during a crisis. Knowing a pet will be safe allows the victim to take care of themselves.

The City Laws team at Council offer a free service for dogs and cats to be offered sanctuary for up to 28 days. The pets will also be vet checked, vaccinated (if required), wormed, fed and exercised during the time they are in Council’s care.

To access this service, contact the City Laws team by calling 9205 2200 or emailing contactus@hume.vic.gov.au.

 

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