Domestic violence assaults in Wollongong has increased over a four year period, new data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has revealed.
DV incidents increased from 1,888 in 2021 to 2,180 incidents in 2024, continuing a steady upward trend across the Illawarra.
Wollongong Community Corrections officer Rachel Curtis said she believed the rise in recorded incidents was influenced more by increased police attention and public reporting than a significant rise in offending behaviour.
“I don’t believe there has been an increase in incidents, but more that there has been media focus, including specific police operations,” Ms Curtis said.
At the same time, the number of adults on remand for domestic violence offences across NSW rose from 1,460 offenders in December 2023 to 1,943 offenders by December 2025, increasing pressure on the state’s justice and corrections systems.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Jodie Harrison, said in a media release that the rise in offenders being brought before the courts has reflected the impact of stronger bail laws.
“These figures show our tough bail laws are keeping domestic violence perpetrators off the streets, and making sure they are brought before the courts,” Ms Harrison said.
Ms Curtis said offenders returning to the community often faced ongoing exposure to the same risk factors that contributed to their offending.
“Returning back to the same community and friendship groups where the same risk factors are present and continued shared parenting or child access concerns,” she said.
“We can offer interventions but it is up to the individual if they chose to access those supports.”
During Operation Amarok, Wollongong Police District recorded 709 high-risk domestic violence offenders under active monitoring — the highest number of any police district in NSW.
Community Corrections officers across Wollongong, Shellharbour and surrounding suburbs are increasingly managing offenders involved in coercive control, intimidation, stalking and breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).
Ms Curtis said rehabilitation services in the Illawarra were struggling to keep pace with demand.
“Some of the issue is the motivating factor for the offender such as court mandated programs or family court motivators as opposed to a genuine want to address and change their offending behaviours,” she said.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said in a media release that police were increasing enforcement efforts against domestic violence offenders across the state.
“These figures are sobering, but they also show our tough laws are working. Police are moving earlier, acting harder and bringing more domestic violence offenders before the courts,” Ms Catley said.
Experts believe that stronger rehabilitation programs and additional support for frontline agencies were needed across the state.
Additional reporting: Lilli Davison
Feature image: iStock
