20 February 2026

New data released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows domestic and family violence continues to drive escalating crime statistics in NSW, with more people than ever being held on remand for domestic and family violence offences.  

As of December 2025, 3,565 people in NSW prisons had a domestic and family violence offence recorded as their most serious charge- a 39 per cent increase over five years. This represents an estimated cost to the NSW Government of $1.6 million per day, or approximately $600 million per year. Today’s data indicates that this trend is continuing to escalate.  

No to Violence Chief Executive Officer Phillip Ripper said the data shows that NSW is responding at the point of escalation, not at the point of risk.  

“Every day we allow this to reach crisis point is another day of danger and suffering for victim-survivors,” Mr Ripper said. 

“Increasing imprisonment is not a violence prevention strategy. Criminal justice responses have a role, but without early intervention and behaviour change programs, violence will continue to escalate.” 

Despite approximately 34,000 men receiving an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) each year, there are only 900 Men’s Behaviour Change Program places funded each year across the state.  

“For the relatively tiny sum of $56 million per year, the government could fully implement the NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026-2030, expanding services that prevent and stop violence at the source,” Mr Ripper said. “We are holding men in custody without effective interventions that address their use of violence. This is a missed opportunity to reduce risk and prevent further harm.” 

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About No to Violence   

No to Violence is the Australian peak body for organisations and individuals committed to ending men’s use of family violence.  We support specialist men’s family violence services and operate the national Men’s Referral Service, a 24/7 telephone and online counselling and referral service to link men to the support they need to get on a pathway of change and end their use of family violence.  We undertake research, training and advocacy and work with governments, employers and business to stop family violence at the source. 

Please list the Men’s Referral Service with all Domestic, Sexual and Family Violence stories: The Men’s Referral Service provides counselling and referrals for men who are concerned about their behaviour, including their use of surveillance or tracking: 1300 766 491 

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