Domestic violence, sexual assault reports on the rise

Domestic violence and sexual assault crime reports have surged in NSW over the past five years, the latest figures show.

The state's Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research released its quarterly update on reported crimes, finding significant increases in those two categories. 

Sexual assault reports rose by 30 per cent in the five years to September 2023, while domestic violence assault reports were up by 14 per cent. 

Regional NSW had the most pronounced increase in domestic violence reports with the largest recorded in Coffs Harbour-Grafton in the state's north, up 72 per cent.

The capital region was up 53 per cent, mid-north coast up 49 per cent and Hunter up 43 per cent. 

Recorded incidents of domestic assault in inner western Sydney also rose by 57 per cent in the past five years.

Increased sexual assault reports were recorded in metropolitan Sydney areas and regional communities. 

The report found there was a 67 per cent rise in the Riverina, 65 per cent in Coffs Harbour-Grafton and 59 per cent in the Murray regions.

Western Sydney recorded an increase of 58 per cent while Parramatta was up 49 per cent.

The bureau also found high-volume property crimes remained lower than pre-pandemic rates.

Police recorded an 18 per cent reduction in property offences between October 2022 and September 2023, than in the same period five years ago. 

There was also a 21 per cent fall in robbery offences.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store