Family violence driving up Victorian crime statistics

Police say the overall recorded crime rate across the state has increased by 3.8 per cent, measured as a rate per 100,000 of the population.

The total number of offences recorded is up by 5.6 per cent with assault rates up almost 12 per cent.

The figures show crimes against property and theft from vehicles are down, while figures for residential burglaries, theft of cars and robberies are all up.

Drug offences are up 12.7 per cent as a rate per 100,000 population.

Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan said family-related violence was a major factor behind the rise, along with drug offences.

"Total crime is still increasing. This is a concern to us, especially with family violence-related offences accounting for 38.6 per cent of crime against the person," she said.

But she says the rate of increase has slowed since the last quarter.

The head of Domestic Violence Victoria says she is not surprised by the prominence of family violence in the crime data.

Executive director Fiona McCormack says there is not enough government help for domestic violence support services.

"What these statistics speak to is what we are seeing on a daily basis," she said.

"Our services, courts, (are) being absolutely inundated with women and children seeking support for family violence."

The figures gathered are for reported offences and do not reflect rates of charge or conviction.

They compare the 12 months to March 2013 with the previous year.