Strathfield, domestic violence: Inner city suburb records 400% rise in AVO breaches

A local government area on the outskirts of Sydney’s inner west recorded a drastic rise in AVO breaches over the last three-year period, with one advocacy group explaining what is behind the dramatic rise. See where.

The Strathfield LGA recorded a 400 per cent rise in AVO breaches across the most recent three-year period.

Apprehended violence order (AVOs) breaches are skyrocketing across NSW, with one Sydney LGA recording a whopping 400 per cent rise over the last three years as one advocacy group explained how Covid and a lack of affordable housing exacerbated the crisis.

Strathfield recorded a 400 per cent rise in reported AVO breaches, which totalled 65 in the 12 months June 2022, up by 52 compared with the same period in June 2019, according to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data.

Delia Donovan, CEO of advocacy group DVNSW, told NewsLocal the Covid pandemic, coupled with a lack of affordable housing in the inner city, has been a “recipe for disaster”.

“Covid exacerbated anything toxic or anything unhealthy,” Ms Donovan said.

“It (the rise in domestic violence) was described by the UN as a shadow pandemic – it was an avenue for an increased capacity to cause harm, couples locked inside together with the extra stresses. It was basically a recipe for disaster.”

The LGA recorded a 400 per cent rise across the last three years, according to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data. Picture: Gaye Gerard

A dearth of affordable alternatives available to victims was an issue, too, Ms Donovan explained.

“It was estimated that 4800 Women in NSW last year were forced to stay in a violent relationship because of a lack of affordable housing,” she said.

“You’re trying to flee domestic and family violence, but there might not always be somewhere safe to go – it’s a massive issue.”

A spokeswoman for Strathfield Council said council “hosts regular safety forums” on domestic violence, and is hosting self-defence classes for women and teenage girls as part of International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women.

The council also stocks Escabags, an ‘escape bag’, for victims fleeing domestic violence.

But a rise in reported AVO breaches is not necessarily solely a result of increased offending, 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.”

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.

Covid and a lack of affordable housing contributed to the rise, according to an expert advocacy group.

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

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

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

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