Police crackdown targets domestic violence offenders
HAWKESBURY residents are being reminded of tougher measures targeting domestic and family violence as new crime data shows thousands more alleged offenders are being brought before NSW courts.
The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures show legal action for domestic violence offences across NSW increased by more than 14 per cent in the two years to June.
That represents an additional 6,128 defendants facing court action following increased police enforcement.
The figures have particular relevance for communities including the Hawkesbury, where domestic and family violence remains an important community safety issue and local police and support organisations play a frontline role in responding to incidents and assisting victim-survivors.
The NSW Government says a series of reforms introduced in recent years is giving police and courts greater powers to deal with perpetrators and protect people at risk.
Measures include tougher stalking and bail laws, electronic monitoring for some accused offenders granted bail and Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders targeting high-risk offenders.
Penalties have also been strengthened for serious and repeat breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
The 2025-26 NSW Budget included an additional $184.1 million to deliver a 50 per cent funding increase across six frontline specialist domestic and family violence programs.
Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said the latest statistics demonstrated the scale of enforcement activity by NSW Police.
“They are finding offenders, charging offenders and putting them before the courts,” Ms Catley said.
Attorney General Michael Daley said domestic and family violence continued at unacceptable levels despite the increased enforcement.
“We are determined to provide the strongest possible protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, and give police and the courts the tools they need to hold perpetrators to account,” he said.
The Government says the latest BOCSAR data also shows the two-year trends for domestic violence assaults and sexual assaults across NSW remain stable.
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