Step up to save women at risk after shocking new statistics

POLICE are calling on the public to "interfere" in domestic violence cases, as statistics show half of all murders are related to family disputes.

POLICE are calling on neighbours and family members to "interfere" in domestic violence cases, as shocking statistics show nearly half of all murders are related to family disputes.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said NSW police attended 120,000 domestic violence incidents last year - an average of 330 a day - but only 26,800 convictions were recorded.

And 26 of the 55 NSW murders in 2010 were related to domestic violence, the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research says.

"The first time a victim comes to police to report domestic violence, on average they would have experienced it 24 times before they report it," Mr Murdoch said.

"We need victims to come forward and a lot are reluctant.

"A lot of people don't want to interfere, but if the community doesn't get involved, the police can't do their job and people wind up dead," he said.

The bureau's analysis of 215 domestic homicide victims between 2003 and 2008, found only one in 10 had reported any previous violence.

"We can't protect people unless we know about it, so if you are a friend or a neighbour and know about it, call police," Mr Murdoch said.

A Sunday Telegraph investigation reveals assaults related to domestic violence are also increasing. In 2001, 36 per cent of assaults were related to domestic violence. By 2010 this had increased to 39 per cent.

The bureau's director, Dr Don Weatherburn, said there had been a real increase in the problem not explained by increased reporting.

"The number of young women turning up in hospital with assaults is rising, so maybe it is an upward trend in violence," he said.

Cat Gander, head of the Women's Refuge Movement, said its 55 refuges and safe houses were full over holiday periods and they were turning away half the women and children who sought help.

Police said domestic violence was difficult to prosecute because victims were often reluctant to pursue charges, often due to fear.

Betty Green from the NSW Domestic Violence Coalition said it was important friends and families be informed and step in and help.

"Please believe her and, to support her, get her to connect to services for help. People have to understand there is a risk of death," Ms Green said.