NEW data reveals rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and retail theft have increased in NSW over the last two years.
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest report on 13 major criminal offences.
Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major offence to show a significant decline over the past two years, while the other nine offences remained stable.
Domestic violence rates showed a widespread increase throughout the state, with higher rates recorded in eight of 13 regional areas, and three of 15 Greater Sydney locations.
Executive Director of BOCSAR Jackie Fitzgerald, said, “Of the three major offences trending upwards, the increase in domestic violence-related assault is the most geographically widespread”.
“Most of regional NSW and several Sydney locations are showing increases.
“We’re also seeing sharper rises in family violence (up 7.3 percent) compared to intimate partner assaults (up 4.9 percent), along with a 9.5 percent increase in child victims of domestic assault.”
Ms Fitzgerald noted that increased rates do not necessarily mean a higher occurrence.
“It’s possible that greater community awareness and proactive policing are encouraging more victims to come forward,” she said.
“These figures highlight the growing willingness of victims to speak out, supported by more accessible and confidential reporting pathways.”
Retail theft was the only property offence to increase over the two year period.
“Liquor continues to top the list of stolen goods.
“In the year to March 2025, it was involved in nearly one in four shoplifting incidents.”
Alongside regular reports, BOCSAR conducts crime and victim surveys to provide insights on both reported and unreported crimes.
By Cosette DE LORENZO
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