NCJ Number
213309
Date Published
October 2005
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the trends and patterns of domestic assaults in New South Wales, Australia between 1997 and 2004.
Abstract
Approximately 6 to 9 percent of Australian women aged 18 years or older are physically assaulted every year, generally by a man they know. Between 1997 and 2004, domestic assaults accounted for 35 to 40 percent of all assaults recorded by police. The rate of domestic assault in New South Wales increased every year from 1997 through 2002 and has remained relatively stable since then. Data indicated that domestic assaults peaked between 3 p.m. and midnight, with most assaults occurring between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Police record more domestic assaults on weekends and during the month of January, particularly on the first day of January. Over 51 percent of domestic assaults and over 72 percent of non-domestic assaults on January 1st were recorded as alcohol-related. Females are more likely to be injured as a result of domestic assault in comparison to men and Indigenous Australians are more likely to become victims of domestic assault than are non-Indigenous Australians. Most victims of domestic assault are between the ages of 20 and 39 years, the majority of offenders are male, and the majority of victims are female. Data were drawn from official New South Wales Police records on domestic assault cases occurring between 1997 and 2004.