Woman escapes through bathroom window during alleged family violence incident

The man was arrested on Christmas Day after allegedly breaching an intervention order put in place to protect the woman.

Police allege the order was breached on numerous occasions between December 22 and 25, 2023.

They had a verbal altercation on Christmas Day, police were called and the man was subsequently arrested.

He faced Warrnambool Magistrates Court on December 27 where he made a successful bail application.

The court heard the man was first charged on October 26 with family-violence relating offending, including making a threat to kill, recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault.

Police allege he pushed the woman into a mirror before throwing her to the ground and placing his foot on the back of her neck.

She managed to escape and fled through a bathroom window.

But he chased her and then marched her back into the house where he continued to assault her.

The man is also accused of assaulting the woman on a drive between Cobden and Colac on December 22.

During the bail application the court heard the woman was fearful of her ex-partner and did not wish for him to be bailed.

The man's sister told the court she was willing to live with her brother if he was bailed and would call the police if he re-offended, which would see him remanded back in custody.

The court heard the court case would face significant delays if the man pleaded not guilty to some of the offending.

Magistrate Kimberley Swadesir said the delays were an exceptional circumstance and she believed strict bail conditions could mitigate any risk of the man further offending.

He was released on bail and will face court again at a later date.

Prior to Christmas police urged the community to look out for those close to them and be aware of the signs of family violence during the festive season.

Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show in December last year there were 8179 family violence incidents recorded across Victoria.

Of those, 358 took place on Christmas Day alone.

Victoria Police family violence command Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said sadly for some people, Christmas was not a time of celebration.

"Victoria Police sees the devastating impacts of family violence every day," she said.

"Our frontline police attended more than 93,000 family violence incidents over the past year. That's one family violence incident every six minutes.

"While Christmas is a way to get together and celebrate with family it's not always the case for some as police unfortunately see a spike in family violence incidents during the festive period."

Assistant Commissioner Callaway said she wanted the message to get out that if you or someone you know was experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence, please seek help from police or a support service.

"Police not only provide safety for victims who make a report, they also refer them to support services so they get the assistance they need," she said.

"Family violence is completely unacceptable and bringing an end to this crime is a responsibility of every single member of society.

"There is never an excuse or justification for family violence. This Christmas we need perpetrators to stop and think of the damage they are doing to their partners and their children. Family violence is not a spur of the moment loss of control, it is a learnt behaviour to control others.

"It is important we all understand this so we can look out for the signs.

"If there are people who know they have problems controlling their anger and who may be at risk at making their families scared or intimidated, there are services to call. Maybe making that call is the best gift you can give your family.

"Let's come together as a community this Christmas and help protect our loved ones from family violence.