With domestic violence related assaults recording an increase in the year to September 2018, more cases are expected during the upcoming summer and Christmas period.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) published their latest quarterly report which examined crime trends from 2016 to September 2018.
In the Far West and Orana region, recorded cases of domestic violence increased from 1159 incidents to 1392.
Recorded incidents in the Dubbo Local Government Area in the year to September 2018 included 481 cases domestic assaults, 97 more than the year before.
BOCSAR director Don Weatherburn said while over the last two years the crime trend in Dubbo was not good, over the long term the city had become a safer place to live.
He said while there had been a upward trend in cases of domestic related assault, this could have been due to victims becoming more willing to report the incidents to police.
“I really worry about whether it’s really gone up or it’s just a case of police making it clear if you’re a victim of domestic violence you should not hesitate to report it to the police so they can do something about it,” Dr Weatherburn said.
Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said there was normally a spike in major offence cases over the summer period due to a range of factors due to alcohol-consumption and warmer weather.
In 2018, the highest amount of cases recorded in a month was in September, with 58 incidents.
“Percentage wise it varies year to year, we definitely do see an upward trend during the summer time … but in saying that we have a more significant response planned,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“We now have a number of additional resources at our disposal.”
Among police proactivity, the Western Regions high-risk domestic violence team conduct surveillance of high-risk offenders.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Daily Liberal. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up to our free or subscriber only newsletters below: