Police across the state have focussed on the plight of domestic violence victims during COVID-19 with a sharp increase in proactive policing strategies.
Their efforts are being reflected in first quarter 2020 statistics which highlight a substantial increase in compliance checks alongside a decrease in certain domestic violence (DV) offences.
Since commencement of the COVID-19 restrictions, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has been closely monitoring rates of domestic violence across the state.
"There is no doubt that the COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolation restrictions have presented inherent and very real risks to domestic violence victims and their families," Commissioner Fuller said.
"As an organisation committed to protecting the most vulnerable in the community, we have ramped up police proactivity across the state, with ADVO compliance checks and ongoing monitoring of high risk and repeat DV offenders."
Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks have greatly increased in each month between January to April 2020 compared to last year, with an additional 3,684 checks completed in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
With a strong personal commitment to the protection of victims and children, when appointed Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence in 2014, Commissioner Fuller led an increased focus of policing proactivity in response to DV offences.
This included the establishment of the Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Teams (DV HROT) across the state and an increased emphasis on the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
"The data we see today is heartening, but this is in no way the end of our efforts. We will continue to keep a close eye on the plight of those experiencing domestic violence and their loved ones," he said.
DV-related assault incidents in NSW were comparably similar to that recorded in the same period last year, however incidents decreased from 2,408 in April 2019 to 2,194 in April this year.
As at Monday (4 May 2020), there were four domestic-related homicide incidents in NSW this year. This contrasts to the same time last year, in which 11 DV homicide incidents were recorded.
"Make no mistake, the fact that we have a single DV homicide incident indicates we have a long way to go, but I am relieved to see the figure has not increased during COVID-19 and has in fact dropped," Commissioner Fuller said.
Legal action rates for Assault (DV), Assault (DV) involving Actual Bodily Harm and/or Grievous Bodily Harm, and Breach DV AVO were overall slightly higher compared to the same period previous year.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, was pleased to see police activities to protect victims and their families appears to have been working over the first quarter of this year.
"A few weeks ago, we put any potential perpetrators of domestic violence offences on notice. The message to offenders was and remains loud and clear: if you abuse those you claim to love, police will be at your door ready to take action," Mr Elliott said.
"I'm pleased to see police working closely together with other government agencies and the community in the best interests of victims and their families, and I thank the community for looking out for family, neighbours and friends."
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research recently published 'Monitoring changes in domestic violence in the wake of COVID-19 social isolation measures' which highlights that preliminary data shows there is no upward trend in DV offences.
"COVID-19 restrictions remain in place and I continue to encourage people to come forward if you have any concerns that someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence." Minister Elliott said.
The public are reminded that if you witness domestic or family violence, call the police – the information you provide might just save someone's life. If your life of someone else's life is in danger contact Triple Zero (000).
Further, there are multiple support services available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or family violence. These services include:
• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service;
• NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) is a state-wide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women;
• Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491) provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men;
• Link2Home (1800 152 152) can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
• Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
