Vic plan to measure violence 'crisis'

Domestic violence in Victoria has gone "beyond crisis point" and MPs trying to stamp it out still have no comprehensive measure to tell them what works.

But Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson hopes a world-first index will change that.

The government has commissioned Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety to advise on what indicators should form a proposed Victorian Family Violence Index.

The index might include hospital presentations, police data, the number of convicted perpetrators, homelessness and community attitudes towards women and violence.

Ms Richardson said family violence was the leading cause of death and disability in Victorian women under 45.

"With one in three women affected by violence, it is clear we are beyond crisis point, yet have no way to measure how we are performing over time on stopping violence," Ms Richardson said in a statement on Sunday.

"The Victorian Family Violence Index will tell us what is working and what is not and help direct policy and funding to adequately address this national emergency."