Crime victimisation survey suggests domestic violence may be declining in NSW

Release date: 23 July 2026

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Two survey measures suggest domestic and family violence (DFV) has declined in NSW over recent years, according to new analysis by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

To better understand whether domestic and family violence is increasing or decreasing, BOCSAR examined five complementary indicators:

  • Women and children killed in DFV-related murder
  • Hospitalisations of women and children due to DFV
  • Women’s self-reported experiences of violence
  • Adults’ self-reported DFV victimisation
  • Police-recorded DFV-related grievous bodily harm offences against women and children

Across these indicators, there is no evidence of an increase in domestic and family violence. Over the eight years to June 2025, three measures showed no significant change, while the two measures based on the annual ABS Crime Victimisation survey showed significant declines.

Self-reported violent victimisation among women fell from 4.1% in 2017–18 to 3.0% in 2024–25. Self-reported DFV victimisation also declined, from 0.91% in July 2016–June 2019 to 0.65% in July 2022–June 2025.

BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said the decline in survey-based measures was an important finding.

“The decline in self-reported violence is significant because it reflects underlying levels of violence in the community, not just what is reported to police,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “It suggests that, despite rising reports of domestic violence to police, domestic violence in the community is not increasing and may be trending down”.

The new findings are notable because they contrast with both public perceptions and police recorded data.

A recent BOCSAR study found that almost two-thirds of people believe violence against women has increased in NSW over the past five years. Police-recorded domestic and family violence incidents have also increased over the past decade.

However, trends in police data are influenced by a range of factors, including higher reporting rates, more proactive policing and changes in enforcement practices.

“There’s a strong perception that violence against women is rising, which is understandable given increases in police-recorded incidents, heightened media attention and greater public awareness,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“But when we look across a broader set of indicators, the picture is far more stable, with declines in the survey measures. The rise in police-recorded incidents appears to be driven more proactive policing and increased reporting, rather than clear evidence of underlying violence.”

For comment please contact: 

Jackie Fitzgerald, Executive Director, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research. 

Phone: +61 423 139 687 
Email: jackie.fitzgerald@dcj.nsw.gov.au


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