Why the first day of the year is the worst day of the year

New Year’s Day is the most violent day of the year in homes and on the streets, with new data revealing that the number of domestic violence incidents doubles and other assaults soar by 166 per cent amid a toxic mix of alcohol and family and social gatherings.

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data, released in December, reveals that the largest spike for all assaults is on January 1, with the most dangerous hours just after the clock ticks into the new year.

The median number of non-domestic violence assaults on New Year’s Day is 224 – 166 per cent higher than the daily median of 84 incidents – while January 1 is also the most prevalent day for domestic assaults.

Data shows the median number of domestic violence incidents is 157 – 118 per cent higher than the daily median of 72 incidents.

Jackie Fitzgerald, executive director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, said New Year’s Day consistently records the highest number of assaults of the year.

“The early hours of New Year’s Day are particularly concerning, with assaults peaking between midnight and 3am, reflecting the extended revelry of New Year’s Eve,” Fitzgerald said.

The report says the contributing factors to the high rates of assaults include increased alcohol consumption, social gatherings and crowded environments and “emotional stress and expectations”.

The data, which shows the median daily number of criminal incidents of assault recorded by NSW Police between 2010 and 2023 (excluding the COVID years of 2020 and 2021), underscores the challenge NSW continues to face when dealing with domestic violence.

The alleged April murder of Molly Ticehurst in the state’s central west by her former boyfriend, who was out on bail after being charged with sexually assaulting her, led to a nationwide discussion about violence against women.

In response, the state government changed bail laws that require alleged perpetrators charged with serious domestic violence offences to wear ankle bracelets and have movements tracked around the clock if they are granted bail.

Minister for Domestic Violence Jodie Harrison said government policy alone was not enough to create lasting cultural change.

“As we end 2024, we must reassert our commitment to address domestic and family violence in all communities across our state,” Harrison said.

“The NSW government is committed to taking meaningful and ongoing action to ensure women across our state are safe, but we know we cannot do this without the community’s help.”

Assaults also spike on other public holidays including Australia Day, Anzac Day, New Year’s Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day each experience 78 more domestic violence assaults than the daily average – but non-domestic violence assaults on December 25 are among the lowest of the year, dipping 20 per cent below the daily median.

“The sharp contrast between domestic and non-domestic assaults during Christmas highlights the unique pressures that families can face during this time of year navigating family dynamics and heightened emotions,” Fitzgerald said.

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