Information for the Media

Media Release

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Media Release - Introduction of Legislation & Launch of Campaign (pdf, 95KB)

Facts and Stats

Domestic Violence: a summary of key statistics

Violence against women costs the Australian economy approximately $13.6 billion every year. This figure is expected to rise to 15.6 billion by 2021-22.
At a total cost of 3.5 billion, it has been established that pain, suffering and premature mortality accounts for nearly half the total cost of domestic violence. The next largest contributor is consumption costs, including property replacement, bad debts and lost household economics.
Three women are killed in domestic violence situations every fortnight across Australia.
It is estimated that in every year, approximately 350,000 and 125,000 women will experience physical and sexual violence respectively.
Domestic violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness in Victorian women 15-44 years. It is more harmful than smoking, alcohol and obesity combined.
At least 1 in 17 women is a victim of domestic violence each year.
1 in 8 high school students will be in a domestic violence relationship before they leave school.
90-95% of victims of domestic violence are women, and the perpetrators are their male partners or ex-partners. The remainder includes same sex relationships or a female perpetrator to the victim.
Aboriginal women report experiencing higher levels of violence than non-Aboriginal women and are more likely to sustain serious injuries.
About 7% of non-Aboriginal women reported experiencing physical violence during 2005, compared to 20% of aboriginal women.
Regardless of factors such as age and ethnicity, women with disabilities are assaulted, raped and abused at a rate of between 2 and 12 times greater than women without disabilities.
Young women experience higher rates of sexual assault and run higher risks, at least 3 to 4 times higher, than the overall population of women.
25% of young people have witnessed physical domestic violence against their mother.
Immigrant and Refugee women are more likely to be murdered as a result of domestic violence.

Further information is available at:

National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women - Time for Action
Economic cost of violence against women and children
Research and Data

South Australian statistics

Statistics derived from national figures suggest that the cost of domestic violence in South Australia is $800 million annually.

Data available from the Office for Crime Statistics and Research (OCSR) in the Attorney General’s Department shows that between July 2001 and June 2008 there were 37 domestic violence related homicides in South Australia, of which 32 involved female victims and five involved male victims.
In 2008 the number of assault charges reported against a family member in a residential setting was 4,170.

For more facts and stats download this pdf (pdf, 170kb)

Alternative formats of all downloads can be obtained by calling 08 82071555 or by emailing agd@agd.sa.gov.au

Last updated: Tuesday, February 23, 2010