New data shows thousands more alleged offenders, including domestic violence perpetrators, are being put before the courts as the state government continues to back NSW Police on crime.
The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures show legal action for domestic violence offences rising by more than 14 per cent in the two years to June, equating to an additional 6,128 defendants brought before the courts as a result of stronger policing. Domestic and family violence continues to occur at an unacceptable rate across NSW, and the Government says it is determined to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said NSW Police did extraordinary work, and the latest statistics highlighted the scale of it.
“They are finding offenders, charging offenders and putting them before the courts,” Ms Catley said.
“These figures tell a clear story: NSW is a safer state today because of the work of our cops, with 19,000 additional defendants are before the courts because of their efforts.
The Government has introduced a series of reforms aimed at better protecting victim-survivors and holding perpetrators to account, including tougher stalking and bail laws, electronic monitoring for those on bail, Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders for high-risk offenders, and stronger penalties for serious and repeat Apprehended Domestic Violence Order breaches.
The 2025-26 NSW Budget invested an additional $184.1 million for a 50 per cent funding increase across six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs, the largest across-the-board increase in core funding for the sector in decades. It represents a landmark investment in the services women and children rely on when escaping violence.
Attorney General Michael Daley said the Government was determined to give police and the courts the tools they needed to hold perpetrators to account.
“We have introduced significant reforms to our bail framework and increased penalties for serious offending,” Mr Daley said.
“But we know domestic and family violence still occurs at unacceptable levels in the community and there is more work to do.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the two-year trend for domestic violence and sexual assault offences remained stable, which was encouraging.
“This year’s $184.1 million budget investment shows our commitment to making sure victim-survivors can access life-saving supports when they need it,” Ms Harrison said.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage