There has been a surge in domestic violence related incidents in New South Wales, according to data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. (BOCSAR)
The data identifies a 3.6 per cent increase in domestic violence related incidents from January 2019 to December 2023. The total number of females aged from under 18 – 60, affected by domestic violence related offences is 25,878.
A rally to highlight the impact of gender-based violence in Australia, organised by “What Were You Wearing Australia”, will be held in Gadigal/Sydney in Belmore Park On Saturday, April 27.
‘What Were You Wearing Australia?’ founder and CEO Sarah Williams launched the event to call for more action.
“No More: National Rally Against Violence, is a movement highlighting the devastating rates and impacts of gender-based violence in Australia which is continuing to rise. In 2024, 30 women have already died at the hands of men,” Ms Williams said.
“This rally has been organised by female volunteers, and gender diverse people from around Australia, we are highlighting resilience of victim-survivors, while calling for urgent action.”
Ms Williams said the increase in domestic violence-related incidents was due to the lack of action by people in positions of power.
“It has become normalised as it is happening quite regularly in our society and the government aren’t providing enough funding to services so that the services can actually support victims in the long term, or funding prevention services,” Ms Williams said.
“We have found that over the last five years, the government has done a lot of talking and made a lot of promises, such as the 10-year action plan, however, we are yet to see any impactful actions put into place.”
The BOCSAR data showed the age and gender of victims of domestic violence-related offences from January 2023 to December 2023. The data identified women experiencing higher domestic violence-related offences, totalling 25,878 in comparison to men with 13,160 offences.
UOW Women’s Space president Edwina Cooke said although the data identifies higher domestic violence-related offences to women, there may be inaccuracy with reports.
“I believe that the rate of DV against women comes down to the fact that men don’t feel comfortable with reporting, either due to it being a queer relationship or simple social pressure that men don’t experience this,” Ms Cooke said.
“That’s not to say that the rates of DV against women are or aren’t higher than men, it’s that the statistics are not accurate because we don’t have accurate reporting that supports victims.”
The UOW Women’s Space will promote the “No More: National Rally Against Violence” on its socials.
“I think the rallies are a good idea because they will start conversations that are difficult and hopefully will lead into social reform,” Ms Cooke said.
Rallies will be held April 26-28 across Australia.