Domestic Violence and Sexual Assaults Surge in Regional Areas of NSW

Strategic Insights -

Regional areas of New South Wales have recorded a surge in domestic violence-related assaults, with some parts experiencing a rise of up to 24 per cent over just two years. The latest crime data shows that in eight of 13 regional areas, there was an increase in domestic violence-related assaults in the two years to March 2025. The average rise across regional NSW was 4.1 per cent, higher than in greater Sydney, which saw a 3.2 per cent increase. The data also highlights a growing trend of family violence, with an overall 9.5 per cent rise in child victims of domestic abuse.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of domestic violence-related assaults in regional NSW leapt 4.1 per cent over two years, compared to 3.2 per cent in greater Sydney.
  • New England and the north west recorded the biggest leap, with a 14.8 per cent increase in assaults, followed by the Central West at 13.6 per cent.
  • Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, the Murray and Richmond-Tweed all recorded increases in attacks of 12 per cent or more.
  • There was a 9.5 per cent rise in child victims of domestic abuse, with family violence increasing more sharply than intimate partner assaults.
  • The Illawarra recorded a significant jump in incidences of sexual assault, with a 24.3 per cent increase over two years.
  • Online reporting of sexual assault has grown considerably since its introduction in January 2023, making up nearly a quarter of recorded incidents.

Statistics:

  • 8 out of 13 regional areas in NSW recorded a rise in domestic violence-related assaults in the two years to March 2025.
  • The average rise in domestic violence-related assaults across regional NSW was 4.1 per cent over two years.
  • The Central West had a 13.6 per cent increase in assaults, while New England and the north west had a 14.8 per cent increase.
  • The number of child victims of domestic abuse rose by 9.5 per cent.
  • The Illawarra recorded a 24.3 per cent increase in sexual assault.
  • Online reports of sexual assault now make up nearly a quarter of recorded incidents.

Sources:

  • NSW Recorded Crime Statistics March 2025 Quarterly Update
  • Jackie Fitzgerald, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research executive director
  • A study released in early June, citing statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.