Domestic violence, sexual assault reports on the rise

The state's Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research released its quarterly update on reported crimes, finding significant increases in those two categories.

Sexual assault reports rose by 30 per cent in the five years to September 2023, while domestic violence assault reports were up by 14 per cent.

Regional NSW had the most pronounced increase in domestic violence reports with the largest recorded in Coffs Harbour-Grafton in the state's north, up 72 per cent.

The capital region was up 53 per cent, mid-north coast up 49 per cent and Hunter up 43 per cent.

Recorded incidents of domestic assault in inner western Sydney also rose by 57 per cent in the past five years.

Increased sexual assault reports were recorded in metropolitan Sydney areas and regional communities.

The report found there was a 67 per cent rise in the Riverina, 65 per cent in Coffs Harbour-Grafton and 59 per cent in the Murray regions.

Western Sydney recorded an increase of 58 per cent while Parramatta was up 49 per cent.

The bureau also found high-volume property crimes remained lower than pre-pandemic rates.

Police recorded an 18 per cent reduction in property offences between October 2022 and September 2023, than in the same period five years ago.

There was also a 21 per cent fall in robbery offences.

Australian Associated Press