Sobering stat: Christmas Day breeds rise in domestic violence, study shows

The holiday period may be a time when many celebrate with their loved ones, but new research shows “there are others who aren’t safe in their own home”, says Premier Chris Minns.

Alcohol consumption, social gatherings and crowds are common features of these holidays and contribute to the elevated risk of violence.

NSW residents are 78 per cent more likely to be assaulted by someone in their home on Christmas Day than any other regular day through the year, according to “sobering” new research that has prompted government ministers to again pledge their commitment to addressing the scourge.

And while Christmas Day is one of the most potentially dangerous for domestic violence, New Year’s Day records the most dramatic spike for domestic and non-domestic violence.

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research study found the median number of non-DV assaults on January 1 is 224 — that’s 166 per cent higher than the daily average.

Similarly, domestic violence assaults on New Year’s Day reach a median of 157 incidents — 118 per cent higher than usual.

“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,” said Bureau chief executive Jackie Fitzgerald.

Christmas Day is one of the most dangerous for men and women who are victims of domestic violence according to a new study.

Domestic violence assaults on these days are also high, with Australia Day showing 62 per cent more domestic violence assaults than a typical day.

“Alcohol consumption, social gatherings and crowds are common features of these holidays and contribute to the elevated risk of violence,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

The Christmas period presents a more complex picture.

While domestic violence assaults peak on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with both days showing 78 per cent more domestic violence assaults than the daily average, non-domestic violence assaults on Christmas Day are among the lowest of the year, at 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,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

The study also found notable spikes on Australia Day and Anzac Day, with non-domestic violence assaults exceeding a typical day by 89 per cent and 78 per cent respectively.

Minister for the prevention of Domestic Violence Jodie Harrison says the data around assaults on public holidays is “sobering”. Picture: NCA NewsWire

NSW Premier Chris Minns said that while the holiday period is a time where people come to celebrate with their loved ones, “this shows there are others who aren’t safe in their own home”.

“Look out for one another this holiday season. If you witness unacceptable behaviour, call it out, and if you are concerned about the safety of someone you know or your own, please reach out for help,” he said.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, said people “must reassert our commitment to address domestic and family violence in all communities across our state”.

“The data released today is sobering, but it is more than data — each statistic is a person who has had their right to safety taken away from them where they should feel safest,” she said.

“We will continue to work across the entire government, across party lines, with victim-survivors, experts and advocates to urgently address this crisis.”

Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the data was a devastating reminder of the urgent importance of action to address domestic and family violence across the state.

“To our state’s police who will continue to work over this period to keep our community safe, to those who will be at the end of the phone when someone reaches out for help, to those in our health system who will offer urgent care over this period, thank you.”

Women’s Safety Commission Hannah Tonkin said the holiday season should be a joyful time however “it is also one of the most high-risk periods for people experiencing domestic and family violence”.

“Over the coming weeks, many women and children will be living in fear for their safety in their own homes, and police and support services will be working tirelessly to deal with increased rates of domestic and family violence. This is totally unacceptable and it takes a heavy toll on families.”

Originally published as Sobering stat: Christmas Day breeds rise in domestic violence, study shows