New crime data shows reforms targeting domestic violence working

The latest quarterly crime statistics show the highest number of domestic violence prosecutions have been recorded. This has been driven by stronger policing and proactive detection rather than an increase in underlying offending.

Perpetrators are now more likely to be identified, charged and prosecuted, with domestic violence prosecutions accounting for more than a quarter of proceedings involving adults.

The Minns Labor Government has repeatedly strengthened the law to target this kind of violence, including reforms:

• Introducing some of the toughest bail laws in the country for perpetrators of domestic and family violence
• Ensuring alleged serious domestic violence offenders who are bailed are electronically monitored by Corrective Services NSW.
• Bringing in tougher penalties for serious, repeat breaches of ADVOs.
• Introducing Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders to protect victim survivors.

Since coming to Government, we've increased funding for domestic and family violence programs in every budget to support victim-survivors.

This includes $272 million in the most recent budget to support frontline services, $6.6 billion for social and affordable housing with half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors, $130 million to increase crisis accommodation and expanding access to important programs such as Staying Home Leaving Violence Program.

The Minns Labor Government continues to address violence against women and children, including implementing NSW's first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy and investing in programs focused on changing harmful attitudes and behaviours that can lead to violence against women.

The Government is determined to do everything possible to eliminate the scourge of domestic violence and sexual assault which continues to occur at unacceptably high level BOSCAR's data also showed several other major crime categories declined significantly over the past two years including robbery, commercial break-ins and stealing from a motor vehicle.

Youth crime in regional NSW is also declining. This comes as the NSW Government invests $23 million to tackle youth crime, and bolster support in high-priority regional communities for bail supervision, intensive case management, and early intervention and diversion.

We acknowledge rates remain higher than in metropolitan areas and will continue to work with regional communities to ensure that downward trend continues.

We know the job isn't done and will continue looking at ways to better protect the community.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:

"This data shows our tough bail reforms and other measures targeting domestic violence offenders are working.

"More domestic violence offenders are being brought before the courts now than ever.

"Importantly, this does not appear to reflect an increase in domestic violence itself but proactive policing in bringing these offenders to justice.

"We know there is more to do and the NSW Government is determined to do everything possible to eliminate this horrific offending."

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said:

"NSW Police are taking the fight to crime, putting more offenders before the courts.

"We are now seeing that effort translate into real results, with significant declines in offences such as robberies, break and enters and stealing from motor vehicles.

"That doesn't happen by chance. It's the result of turning around recruitment and retention and backing our police with the technology they need, including just recently Australian-first drone capabilities in Moree.

"But we are not complacent. Every victim matters and that's why we won't slow down, because every community deserves to feel safe."

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

"This new data is encouraging, showing the changes our government have introduced are holding perpetrators to account and strengthening protections for victim-survivors.

"Our work is not done though, because everyone deserves to live safely at home and in our community. We must continue to drive down incidents of domestic and family violence by stopping the violence before it starts.

"That's why we are investing in earlier intervention, primary prevention and better understanding the perpetration of violence."