Domestic Violence Statistics

Statistics reveal that a disturbingly high number of Australians will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Domestic violence can have a detrimental impact on all aspects of a victim’s life, including their health, wellbeing, education, relationship, and housing status. This article provides a definition of domestic violence and examines domestic violence statistics in Australia with a particular focus on those that are especially vulnerable to domestic violence.

What is Domestic Violence?

Family violence is violent conduct between family members (including parents, children, siblings, and partners). Domestic violence is a type of family violence and refers specifically to violence between intimate partners (either current or former). Domestic violence includes emotional, verbal and physical abuse, as well as intimidation and stalking. This includes psychological abuse such as intimidation and humiliation, controlling access to money, monitoring activities, and isolating the victim from support networks. Physical abuse includes both assault and sexual violence between intimate partners.

Australian Domestic Violence Statistics

The 2021–22 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) by the ABS shows that family, domestic and sexual violence remains a significant issue in Australia, disproportionately affecting women since age 15:

• Physical and/or sexual partner violence: 1 in 6 women 1 in 18 men
• Emotional abuse by a partner: 1 in 4 women 1 in 7 men
• Economic abuse by a partner: 1 in 6 women 1 in 13 men
• Sexual violence: 1 in 5 women 1 in 16 men

Family and Domestic Violence

3.8 million adults (20%) experienced physical and/or sexual Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) since age 15. 

• Of all adults: 11.3% experienced violence from a cohabiting partner.

5.9% from a boyfriend/girlfriend/date.

7.0% from another family member.

Of all FDV hospitalisations (9,300) in 2023–24:

• 76% (7,000) were for females and 24% (2,300) were for males
• 62% (5,700) had the perpetrator reported as a spouse or domestic partner
• 39% (3,600) had the perpetrator reported as a parent or other family member (AIHW 2025a). 

Emotional and Economic Abuse

• 3.6 million adults (19%) experienced emotional abuse by a partner. 

Women: 23%

Men: 14%

• Economic abuse affected 12% of adults: Women: 16%

Men: 7.8%

Sexual Violence

• 2.8 million adults (14%) experienced sexual violence since age 15.
• By perpetrator: 13% experienced sexual violence by a male.

1.8% by a female.

• Among women: 11% assaulted by a male intimate partner.

2.1% by a male family member.

11% by another known male.

6.1% by a male stranger.

• 1.9% of women experienced sexual violence in the last 12 months (similar to 2016).

Domestic Violence Statistics – Who is Most Likely to Be the Victim

Domestic violence occurs across all ages and demographics, but some groups are more at risk than others. A woman is more likely to be the victim of domestic violence than a man in every age group, except those over 85 years of age.

Children

Family, domestic and sexual violence affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but children are among the most vulnerable groups and often experience severe and long-lasting impacts. 

Around 1 in 8 Australian adults (13%) witnessed violence between parents before age 15.

• Witnessing violence against mothers (12%) was far more common than against fathers (4.3%).
• The Australian Child Maltreatment Study found high levels of childhood harm:

40% were exposed to domestic violence

31% experienced emotional abuse

29% experienced sexual abuse

8.9% experienced neglect

Women with disability

These women are 1.8 times more likely to be abused, often by someone they rely on for care. And when they try to reach out? Many hit walls—services aren’t always accessible or equipped to respond.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities

The stats are staggering—Indigenous women are 32 times more likely to end up in hospital because of DFV. Deep-rooted inequality, historical trauma, and gaps in culturally respectful services all play a part.

Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence

Victims of domestic violence in every Australian state and territory can seek protection from their abusers through a domestic violence order. A domestic violence order is an official document issued by the court that places restraints on the respondent (the person who has committed domestic violence) in an effort to stop threats or acts against the aggrieved (the victim of domestic violence). The domestic violence order will set out rules that the respondent must follow, such as keeping a certain distance from the aggrieved or refraining from certain things, such as drinking or taking drugs around the aggrieved.

A DVO is not a criminal charge and will not form a part of the respondent’s criminal record. It is, however, a criminal offence to disobey the orders set out in a DVO, and a breach of the DVO will add to the respondent criminal history.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, there is help available. For instance, you can access domestic violence leave from work to seek assistance from the police or the community. To access immediate support, you can call:

• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)

If you need legal help obtaining a DVO or any other assistance related to domestic violence, please contact Armstrong Legal on 1300 038 223 or send us an email.