Data released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) is a sobering reminder that while for many this is a period of joy where loved ones come together to celebrate the holiday season, there will be some who do not feel safe in their own homes; who are victims of domestic and family violence.
The data highlights the heightened risk of assault during public holidays in New South Wales, with a significant spike in domestic and family violence expected over the Christmas and New Years period.
Sadly, Christmas Day and Boxing Day have historically seen 78% more domestic violence related assaults than on the average day.
New Years Day sees a projected increase of 118% for domestic violence related assaults, and a 166% increase in non-domestic violence related assaults.
This increase is uniformly seen across public holidays in the state, with a 62% increase of domestic violence related assaults on Australia Day and ANZAC Day. For non-domestic violence related assaults, there is an increase of 89% and 78% respectively on these days.
As the community joins together in celebrations over the holiday period, where many will be consuming alcohol, the NSW Government is asking that everyone plays a part in ensuring that all members of the community are safe and respected.
If you witness unacceptable behaviour, call it out.
If you are concerned about the safety of someone you know, or your own, please contact:
The NSW Domestic Violence Line on: 1800 656 463
Or, 1800 RESPECT on: 1800 737 732
If it is an emergency, please contact Triple Zero: 000
Every single person has a right to safety, and the NSW Government urges anyone who needs support or help over the holiday period to reach out for it.
The Government genuinely understands its responsibility to unrelentingly work to address domestic and family violence across the state, but while that work continues, they are asking the community to help.
Over this holiday period the Government is asking the community to check on their loved ones, to not ignore signs of concerning behaviour, and to help them in their ongoing work towards creating a safer New South Wales.
Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley said:
“This data is a devastating reminder of the urgent importance of action to address domestic and family violence across the state.
“To our state’s police who will continue to work over this period to keep our community safe, to those who will be at the end of the phone when someone reaches out for help, to those in our health system who will offer urgent care over this period, thank you.
“Our state’s police stand with the NSW Government in having zero tolerance for domestic and family violence and are working hard every single day and night to do their bit to address this crisis facing our state, but they cannot do it alone.
"If you think someone might be in trouble, don’t stay silent—speak up. Talk to someone, contact the police, and take action. Every single person has a role to play in creating a safer New South Wales.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:
“As we end 2024, we must reassert our commitment to address domestic and family violence in all communities across our state.
“The NSW Government is committed to taking meaningful and ongoing action to ensure women across our state are safe, but we know we cannot do this without the community’s help.
“The data released today is sobering, but it is more than data, each statistic is a person who has had their right to safety taken away from them where they should feel safest.
“We will continue to work across the entire government, across party lines, with victim-survivors, experts and advocates to urgently address this crisis.
“But Government policy alone is not enough. To create lasting cultural change we need every member of the community to join us in this work to create a safer New South Wales.”
New South Wales Women’s Safety Commissioner, Hannah Tonkin said:
"The holiday season should be a joyful time for us all to gather with family and friends. However, it is also one of the most high-risk periods for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
"Over the coming weeks, many women and children will be living in fear for their safety in their own homes, and police and support services will be working tirelessly to deal with increased rates of domestic and family violence. This is totally unacceptable and it takes a heavy toll on families.
"If you are experiencing violence or abuse, you do not have to face this alone. Help and support is available.
"And if you are concerned that your own behaviour might be putting the safety of family members at risk, there are services to call who can help you to change.
"I encourage everyone to look after each other during this holiday period. Together, as a community, we can work to end domestic and family violence and ensure that everyone is safe and respected."
