NSW domestic violence figures give 'sobering' picture of state of affairs

Domestic violence figures released today give a "sobering" insight into domestic-violence-related homicides in New South Wales.

Between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2022, there have been 1832 homicides in the state (including both adults and children), with domestic-violence-related homicides making up 30 per cent of that figure.

Of the total homicide number, 590 females were killed and 1242 males were killed, the data shows.

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The report found that while homicides with male victims were higher, females were "far more likely" to be killed in a domestic violence context.

Of the 590 females, 331 were killed in an alleged domestic violence attack, making up 56.1 per cent of the killings.

219 of the 1242 males were killed in an alleged domestic violence attack, making up 17.6 per cent of the killings.

Approximately 94 of all 550 domestic violence homicides involved a relative or kin offender.

Of the 331 female domestic-violence-related homicides, 244 were at the hands of an intimate male partner, totalling 80 per cent of all intimate partner violence homicides.

In comparison, a total of 54 homicides involved a woman killing their intimate male partner.

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Two-thirds of the 244 female homicide victims (160) were killed by an ex-partner or at the point of separation.

More 25 per cent of male offenders involved in intimate-partner homicides had both a history of alcohol and drug abuse and mental health issues.

Children killed by their parents made up 18 per cent of the homicides, totalling 96 kids allegedly killed by a parent between 2000 and 2023.

Nearly 40 per cent of the children were one year old or younger when they died.

The New South Wales government said the figures were "sobering."

"The government knows that every statistic contained in this report represents someone whose life was unjustly taken too early, someone who was loved, and whose absence is still felt deeply."

"These statistics represent family members, friends, valued community members, and their loss continues to be mourned by many."

The full report and supporting data can be found here

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).