NSW Police Face Criticism Over Handling Of Domestic Violence Cases

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) released its findings on Wednesday after reviewing the responses of NSW Police to domestic and family violence incidents between 2017 and 2021. 

The LECC found “inadequate training” among officers and recommended mandatory specialised training for all personnel dealing with domestic violence. 

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Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson SC said police attended 180,000 domestic and family violence incidents in NSW each year, or about 500 incidents every day.

“There were times when a victim reported violence to police, but there was no police record of the victim’s report,” Mr Johnson said. 

“There were occasions when no statement was taken from the victim, and there was no attempt to take statements from other witnesses,” he said.

The LECC also examined how police managed conflicts of interest when officers themselves were involved in such cases.

“We saw problems with the way in which police managed conflicts of interest when another police officer was said to be involved in the domestic or family violence,” Mr Johnson added.

Out of the 222 complaint investigations reviewed, 70 cases involved 60 officers who were involved in domestic and family violence incidents. Among these officers, 17 were charged with offences.

“If police don’t investigate allegations of domestic and family violence well, then victims are at risk, offenders aren’t dealt with, there’s a risk that violence will continue, and victims can be reluctant to contact police in the future.” 

Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 

Contact the national family violence counselling service at 1800 737 732

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