Australia records 42 women and 17 children killed by domestic violence in 2026

In 2026 Australia recorded 42 women and 17 children who lost their lives to domestic and family violence, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data shows an 8% rise in recorded FDV offenders to 97,800 in the 2024–25 financial year, with more than three‑quarters of offenders male.

A newly launched domestic‑violence homicide dashboard for New South Wales, managed by the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, highlights that women constitute four‑fifths of intimate‑partner homicide victims and that children are also frequently caught up in broader patterns of family violence. CEO Elise Phillips warned that confronting this evidence is essential for effective prevention, policy and specialised response.

The findings underscore the gendered nature of the crisis, with women and children disproportionately affected, and call for stronger accountability and early‑intervention strategies across Australia.