Context and objectives

• Open data: The Crime Statistics Agency publishes de‑identified statistics on victims of crime in Victoria. Using open data promotes transparency and enables independent analyses.
• Fair comparisons: We use rates per 100 000 population wherever possible to compare across groups and over time.
• Story outline: We start with the overall trend, then explore who is most affected (age and sex), examine family‑related versus non‑family incidents, and end with repeat victimisation.

Trend of unique victims (2016–2025)

The victimisation rate declined between 2016 and 2024, dropping from roughly 3 300 to about 2 900 per 100 000 people, but rose again in 2025. This reversal anchors the narrative and raises questions about why the trend has shifted.

Age profile of victims (2025)

Young adults aged 20–34 experience the highest victimisation rates—between 4 500 and 5 700 per 100 000 people—while children and seniors are far less affected. These differences may reflect lifestyle factors such as employment, nightlife and exposure to public spaces.

Differences by sex (2025)

Victimisation rates diverge by sex from age 20 onwards. Males consistently experience higher rates than females up to their fifties, though the gap narrows in later years. For example, among 25–29‑year‑olds the male rate exceeds 5 700 per 100 000 while the female rate is around 4 500.

Family incidents versus other incidents

Both family‑related and non‑family incidents increased in absolute terms between 2021 and 2025. However, the share of family‑incident victimisation declined, indicating that non‑family crime grew faster. Understanding this shift could inform targeted interventions.

Family incidents by age (2025)

Family‑related victimisation is concentrated among children and adolescents. Up to about 14 years old, counts of family incidents exceed those of non‑family incidents. In adulthood, the pattern reverses, suggesting that different social dynamics operate across the life course.

Repeat victimisation (2025)

About one in eight victims reported more than one incident in 2025. Repeat victimisation, while a minority, merits special attention because it often signals ongoing vulnerability or exposure.

Takeaways

• Demographic differences: Young adults are most affected; the male–female gap peaks in early adulthood.
• Changing mix: Overall rates declined until 2024 but rose in 2025; non‑family incidents are growing faster than family incidents.
• Early intervention: Family‑related incidents dominate among children and adolescents, highlighting the need for early‑life support.
• Repeat victims: A small but important group of repeat victims suggests that targeted prevention and protection could have outsized impact.

Sources

• Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria). Unique Victims – Year ending June 2025 (open data tables).
• Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria). Glossary and data dictionary (definitions, including rate per 100 000 population).