Safer Summer

As most of us look forward to celebrating the end of the year, many Australians will experience the most dangerous time of the year – when rates of domestic and family violence increase. Help is available to make this a Safer Summer. 

Statistics from across Australian crime statistics agencies and police forces reveal that there are significantly more family and domestic violence incidents reported to Police Forces across Australia throughout the Christmas and New Year period. 

Victoria

• In December 2021, there were 8,388 family incidents attended by Victoria Police – this was 11 per cent above the yearly average of 7,546 each month.

• On New Year’s Day 2022, there were 424 family incidents – an 80% increase from the year prior.

New South Wales

• Six family violence murders were recorded in January 2022, accounting for 25 per cent of recorded family violence murders from July 2021 – June 2022.

Northern Territory

• 58 per cent more family domestic violence assault incidents on New Years’ Day.

Queensland

• 112 per cent more family domestic violence assault incidents on New Years’ Day.

Tasmania

• 75 per cent more family domestic violence assault incidents on New Years’ Day.

Western Australia

• In the 2018-19 Christmas-New Year period, there was an average of 227 daily reports of family violence. This was a 26 per cent increase from the daily average of 180 reports across the year.

Support is available to help men to stop using violence.

Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491.