Recent studies have revealed a deeply unsettling reality: a significant number of men in New South Wales admit that they pose a danger to their families. This stark acknowledgment sheds light on the growing crisis of domestic and family violence in the state and underscores the urgent need for intervention. The findings come amid increasing public scrutiny over the effectiveness of government policies and community initiatives designed to curb domestic abuse.
A recent report by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) found that by the age of 37, 9.6% of men in NSW had been proceeded against by police for a family and domestic violence offence. This means nearly one in ten men has faced legal action related to domestic abuse, a figure that raises serious concerns about the scale of the problem. In comparison, only 3% of women had been similarly charged, indicating that men overwhelmingly account for the majority of offenders. More disturbingly, the study found that a small group of repeat offenders—just 1.2% of individuals—were responsible for over 50% of recorded domestic and family violence offences, suggesting a cycle of violence that remains difficult to break.
The crisis is further illustrated by statistics on gender-based violence. In 2024 alone, NSW recorded the highest number of gender-based murders in Australia, with 25 out of the 78 women killed in such incidents coming from the state. This alarming figure has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of existing legal and social frameworks in preventing violence and protecting victims. Domestic and family violence services across the state have reported overwhelming demand, with crisis hotlines experiencing record-breaking call volumes. The NSW Domestic Violence Line, for instance, received over 70,000 calls in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year.
For many men who have acknowledged their violent tendencies, intervention programs have been a turning point. One man who completed a Men’s Behaviour Change Program recounted his struggle with aggressive outbursts, saying that frustration and a lack of emotional control had led to verbal abuse, pushing, and yelling. He admitted that he had been unaware of the emotional toll his actions had taken on his family. Another participant, Steven, shared that after attending therapy and behavior modification sessions, he noticed significant changes in his household. “I see how my partner’s face has changed. When she looks at me, I see love instead of fear. My children can now express themselves, and I can help them with their big emotions instead of screaming at them and scaring them,” he said.
In response to the crisis, the NSW government has expanded access to Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, increasing the number of locations offering these services to 17 across the state. This expansion is backed by an annual investment of $11 million. Jodie Harrison, the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, emphasized the importance of such programs in tackling domestic abuse at its root. “These programs are about taking accountability and providing men with the tools they need to change their behavior before it’s too late,” she said. Dr. Hannah Tonkin, the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner, echoed these sentiments, stating that expanding these initiatives would enhance victim safety and hold perpetrators accountable.
While urban areas have seen some progress, the situation in rural and regional NSW remains dire. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reported that from April 2023 to March 2024, the rate of domestic violence assaults in regional areas stood at 596 per 100,000 people—substantially higher than the state average of 447. The Far West and Orana region reported the most shocking rate of 1,698 per 100,000, indicating that women in these areas are at a significantly higher risk. Tabitha Acret, whose daughter was murdered in a domestic violence incident, has been a vocal advocate for improved resources in rural areas. She pointed out that victims in small communities often hesitate to report abuse due to social ties between perpetrators and law enforcement officers. “At the most vulnerable times in their lives, women face the additional challenge of having to report violence to people who may be friends with their abuser,” she said.
Phillip Ripper, CEO of No To Violence, highlighted how domestic violence victims in rural areas face a unique set of challenges, making it difficult for them to seek help. He noted that in small communities, where everyone knows each other, privacy concerns and social stigma often prevent women from coming forward. Without adequate services, many victims remain trapped in abusive relationships, with limited avenues for escape.
Another major factor contributing to domestic violence is alcohol abuse. Studies have shown a direct link between extended trading hours and an increase in domestic violence incidents. In response, the federal government has been considering stricter regulations on instant online alcohol delivery services to curb impulsive acts of violence fueled by alcohol consumption. Advocacy groups have called for delays in alcohol deliveries, particularly in high-risk households, as an immediate measure to prevent domestic assaults.
Beyond government intervention, various community organizations have stepped up their efforts to combat domestic violence. Domestic Violence NSW, the state’s peak body for domestic and family violence services, has urged the government to increase funding, arguing that the current allocation of $39 per person is well below the national average of $53. The organization has called for an additional $163 million to ensure that crisis shelters, legal aid, and counseling services can adequately meet demand.
Additionally, the NSW government has pledged $38 million towards new initiatives under the “Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2027.” This strategy aims to educate communities about healthy relationships and challenge gender stereotypes from an early age. Advocates argue that long-term change must involve cultural and societal shifts that redefine masculinity and encourage emotional regulation in boys and young men.
The fact that so many NSW men acknowledge that they pose a danger to their families is a sobering revelation that cannot be ignored. While recent efforts to address domestic violence have led to some progress, much more needs to be done. The combination of expanded intervention programs, legislative reforms, increased funding, and community awareness campaigns will be essential in reducing domestic violence rates and ensuring the safety of victims. Until then, the struggle to break the cycle of abuse continues, and the voices of those affected must not be silenced.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
