Domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault offences are on the rise in the Hunter, with new data revealing worrying figures for the region.
The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, also known as BOCSAR, reports have painted a grim picture of local criminal activity.
The results, released this month, incorporated the Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter, Singleton and Dungog LGAs.
Cases of intimidation, stalking and harassment were the most common, increasing by an average of 12.3% across all areas, except Dungog.
Cessnock experienced the sharpest ascent, with indictments going up 31.3% over the past two years.
Domestic violence-related assault charges were another notable escalation.
Rates went up across most LGAs, including Port Stephens (5.6%), Maitland (3.1%), Upper Hunter Shire (9.9%), Singleton (6.6%), and Dungog (7.2%) over the last decade.
Meanwhile, Newcastle witnessed a 16% increase since 2023, while Muswellbrook saw a 28% decrease over the same period.
Cases of sexual assault were also on the rise locally.
BOCSAR executive director Jackie Fitzgeald said the increase could be attributed to improved reporting pathways.
“Since January 2023, victims have been able to report sexual violence to NSW Police via the Sexual Assault Reporting Option (SARO) – an online, trauma-sensitive portal,” she explained.
“SARO has proven very popular, with 1-in-four sexual assault reports now submitted through this platform.”
Alarmingly, increases of charges were seen in Newcastle (10.1%), Port Stephens (7.3%), Lake Macquarie (8.8%), Cessnock (11.7%) and Maitland (13%) over the past 10 years.
“While this decline may appear concerning, it’s important to understand that SARO reports do not trigger criminal investigations and therefore do not result in charges,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“It’s designed to offer victims a more trauma-informed and accessible reporting option, not necessarily to initiate legal proceedings.
“While SARO is sensitive and victim-centred, it doesn’t necessarily lead to improved outcomes in the criminal justice system.”
The report highlighted increases in other crimes, including stealing, trespassing and breach of bail conditions.
Muswellbrook was identified as a hotspot for theft with a 52.7% uptick in home robberies and 17.44% in “other stealing offences”.
Additionally, Port Stephens surprisingly saw a 67.4% rise in trespassing over the past two years, with cases jumping from 114 in 2023/24 to 191 in 2024/25.
For more news stories:
- Recycling trial expands to combat battery fires in Lake Mac
- Where did the money go? Earthquake fund could be landslip saving grace
- Tenders called for stage one of Hillsborough Road upgrade
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
