Domestic violence: NSW neighbourhoods where AVO breaches have skyrocketed

This is where NSW has seen the largest increase in reported domestic violence order breaches. See the full list.

Exclusive: Apprehended violence order breaches are skyrocketing across NSW, with a 30 per cent jump in reported violations over the past three years.

Reported breaches of AVOs – designed to protect victims of domestic and personal violence who fear future threats to their safety – at least doubled in 17 out of 131 local government areas, including the metropolitan LGA of Strathfield, where reports increased fivefold over three years.

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data showed there were 65 incidents recorded by police in the 12 months to June 2022, compared to 13 in the same period for 2019.

Hay, in the western Riverina region, also recorded a 400 per cent increase, rising from six to 30 AVO breaches.

The most violations last financial year, however, were in the larger LGAs of Blacktown (1287, up 16 per cent), Central Coast (1107, up 18 per cent), Canterbury-Bankstown (700, up 53 per cent), Penrith (686, up 10 per cent) and Sydney (627, up 23 per cent).

But a rise in reported AVO breaches is not necessarily a bad sign, according to experts.

Griffith University social work and criminology professor Dr Silke Meyer said victims were increasingly confident to come forward, driving the rise in reporting.

“The reform work over the last five years more broadly has increased awareness of reporting options and increased awareness that this can happen to anyone,” she said.

“It has taken out the stigma that it only happens to people of lower income tiers or lower socio economic background, or diverse linguistic backgrounds.

“We have had quite a few middle class victim-survivors coming out over the years speaking out and it’s given people confidence to report.”

She said people were also more aware of non-physical domestic and family violence, such as coercive control; and protective order conditions had become more comprehensive with specific behaviours listed, making it easier to understand what constitutes a breach.

Dr Silke Meyer said people were increasingly aware of what constitutes abuse or a protective order breach. Picture: Supplied.

However, Dr Meyer said there may have also been an increase in abuse and protective order breaches via mobile phones and social media during the pandemic.

“Growth in technology-facilitated abuse would increase reporting whereas previously victim-survivors may not be aware it constitutes domestic and family violence or a breach of that order,” she said.

“(Research shows) the police responses seem to be much better when there is physical evidence of abuse or harm, whereas with non-physical abuse, such as coercive control and technology-facilitated abuse, you need a really skilled and trained police officer who will respond and investigate accordingly,” she said.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed domestic violence-related crimes (including homicide, assault, sexual assault and kidnapping) had been increasing in NSW in recent years with an 8 per cent jump since the pandemic, between 2019 and 2021.

There was an 8 per cent jump in domestic violence-related crimes between 2019 and 2021.

A NSW Police Force spokesman said tackling domestic and family violence was a major priority for them and the NSW Government.

“Around 75 per cent of domestic and family violence offences reported to NSWPF, and similarly, 85 per cent of alleged breaches of apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs), result in legal action,” he said.

“The NSWPF implements a number of practical strategies to target domestic violence offenders, support victims and reduce recidivism.

“The domestic violence team conduct regular inquiries, including ADVO and bail compliance checks on domestic violence offenders in order to increase compliance and reduce recidivism.

“Further strategies are being developed alongside partner agencies to target this critical area of justice administration in NSW.

“These, along with new laws including coercive control legislation, will strengthen the arsenal in addressing domestic and family violence.”

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 in an emergency.

For more support, please call:

24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732

Men facing domestic violence can contact mensline.org.au on 1300 78 99 78

Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800

Lifeline on 13 11 14