Sexual violence in Australia reaches a 33-year high
In Australia, the rate of sexual violence in 2024 reached its highest level in 33 years. Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin said she was deeply concerned by this trend, particularly the increase in violence among young people, ABC News Australia reports.
According to Cronin, the rate decreased by less than 1% over the past year. Her annual report states that Australians are experiencing unacceptable levels of harm in the family law and justice systems, as well as due to rising sexual violence.
National focus on the problem
The commissioner recommended ensuring targeted and sustained nationwide attention to the problem of sexual violence. At the same time, the report does not contain a list of specific programs or policies that should be introduced.
The document also calls on governments at all levels to increase funding for violence prevention services. In Cronin's view, Australia has predominantly invested in systems that respond only after violence reaches a crisis level. Such services are necessary, but on their own they will not reduce the prevalence or consequences of gender-based violence.
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Kate Fitz-Gibbon, a researcher on violence against women at Monash University, described the published figures as alarming and said much more active action was needed to protect women and children. She stressed that schools need additional support to identify at an early stage children and young people who are at risk.
Courts and the situation of Indigenous peoples
Cronin separately drew attention to the family law system, where, she said, court proceedings can be used to prolong conflictual relationships and cause harm. She also expressed concern about decisions that may put children at risk.
The report records an increase in violence against Indigenous Australian women and children. The rate of hospitalizations of children following incidents of family violence rose to 45 per 100,000 population, the highest level since such data began to be collected. The rate of Indigenous women being killed by intimate partners also increased over two years after the baseline was established and reached four victims per 100,000 people in the 2024–2025 data. The commissioner noted that it is still too early to establish a sustained trend.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek presented the commissioner's third report to parliament on Wednesday and acknowledged that the work done was insufficient. The federal government is preparing a second action plan under the 10-year National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children; it is expected in the first half of 2027.
