Violence against women, children is more likely over Christmas, New Year, new crime data shows

Violent attacks against women and children spike on key public holidays, as a new study reveals New Year’s Day as the worst date for the hike in assaults recorded.

Data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows the extent of the increase in violence on significant calendar dates.

The report shows both domestic violence and non-DV assaults peak on New Year’s Day, with more assaults occurring on this day than on any other day of the year.

“The early hours of New Year’s Day are particularly concerning, with assaults peaking between midnight and 3 am, reflecting the extended revelry of New Year’s Eve,” the bureau’s executive director Jackie Fitzgerald said.

While domestic violence assaults soared on Christmas Day, non-DV attacks were among the lowest of the year.

Ms Fitzgerald said it showed the unique pressure families faced at this time of the year as people were forced to navigate heightened emotions and family dynamics.

The research also found “notable spikes” on Australia Day and Anzac Day.

Domestic violence in particular soared by more than 60 per cent on Australia Day, with greater alcohol consumption, crowds and social gatherings attributed as higher risk factors.

Good Friday recorded the lowest increase compared with the median number of domestic violence incidents.

It is also the only public holiday where the rate of assaults that are not family violence do not go up or down.

But three days later on Easter Sunday, domestic violence attacks jumped by 44 per cent compared to their median.

The data comes after a 16-day public awareness campaign to reduce domestic violence and warnings from anti-violence campaigners about a potential spike in domestic violence deaths over the summer.

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