The Hidden Danger: Domestic Violence Offenders Often Unknown to Police

A recent surge in suspected domestic violence deaths in New South Wales has highlighted a significant gap in the system: identifying and intervening with offenders who are not known to police. Over the course of a single weekend, five individuals, including three women and a child, were killed in suspected domestic violence incidents.

According to authorities, none of the alleged offenders in these cases were known to police prior to the incidents. This has raised critical questions about how to intervene effectively when offenders are not on the police's radar.

Under-reporting of Domestic Violence

The latest available statistics show that more than 38,800 domestic violence-related assaults were reported in the 12 months to June 26, representing a 3.4 per cent increase over the past decade. Data from the Domestic Violence Death Review Team reveals that since 2000, 351 women, 230 men, and 137 children have been killed in domestic violence-related homicides in NSW.

Experts point to the under-reporting of domestic violence as a significant issue. The 2021-23 Domestic Violence Death Review found that half of the men who killed a female partner had a history of domestic violence that had never been reported to police.

Experts Weigh In

Macquarie University criminologist Vince Hurley, a former police detective, believes that a substantial proportion of domestic violence offenders are not known to police. "This notion that police always know who the offender is, is a bit of a misconception," he said. "I would say probably 75 per cent, if not more, of domestic violence offenders are not known by police."

Dr. Hurley suggests that information about offenders may be held by other agencies, such as health officials, but is not necessarily shared with police due to privacy regulations. "It's impossible to police what you don't know," he said.

Dr. Hurley has identified three key underlying issues in domestic violence cases: alcohol, drugs, and mental health. He notes that untreated mental health conditions can contribute to offending behavior, but services are often inaccessible, particularly for low socio-economic demographics.

Warning Signs and Intervention

National peak body No to Violence emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing domestic violence. General manager Chris Lacey notes that only 3.6 per cent of national domestic violence funding is allocated to early intervention. "That's the space where we need to be stepping into," he said.

Lacey suggests that early warning signs can emerge during visits to a GP, hospital, or other services, such as heavy drinking or major life events. He emphasizes the need for accessible services and referral pathways for individuals at risk of committing or experiencing violence.

Breaking Down Barriers

Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan calls for greater collaboration between government departments and community organizations to address domestic violence. "We need to make sure anyone responding to anyone impacted by domestic violence … really understands the nuance of domestic and family violence and it has to sit within every organisation's work plan," she said.

Donovan also highlights the need for societal change, including education and awareness-raising efforts to prevent victim-blaming and promote understanding of domestic and family violence.