Reporting domestic, family and sexual violence and assault to NSW police
Quick exit
If you need to leave this page quickly, click ‘Quick exit’ at the bottom of this page. Find out more about the quick exit link.
To avoid this page being saved in your browser history, use personal browsing.
If you’re in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).
To report domestic, family and sexual violence and sexual assault you can talk to any police officer.
NSW Police will respond to all reports of domestic or family violence. They are legally required to investigate all reports.
Make a note of the police officer’s name and request the ‘event number’ to help you follow up on your report.
The police will pursue any person using violence and will hold them accountable for their criminal behaviour under NSW law by placing them before the courts.
Domestic violence officers
While you can report domestic or family violence to any police officer, you can also ask to speak to a domestic violence officer, or DVO.
These officers have received more training to provide support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
Safer Pathway
This government program coordinates referrals and services for people of all genders who have experienced domestic or family violence.
Safer Pathway is a coordinated approach to ensure the right services are provided to someone at risk of serious harm.
Reporting sexual assault to the police
Sexual assault is a crime. Being a victim of crime will not affect your visa or employment status.
You can choose to report an assault at a police station or over the phone. A specially trained police officer will take a detailed statement about what happened. You can have a support person with you while you give your statement. Police can also arrange a free interpreter.
If you don’t want to formally report the assault to police but want to make an anonymous report, you can complete the sexual assault reporting option. It includes questions about what happened and a section where you can provide a summary in your own words about what happened to you.
If you want to formally report the sexual assault, contact your local police station. You can report to police by calling triple zero (000) or by attending a police station.
Police code of practice
Domestic and family violence is related to around 40% of all homicides. The NSW Police Force is committed to reducing domestic and family violence by ensuring a swift and appropriate response to survivors of these crimes.
Police obligations are recognised by the code of practice for the NSW Police Force response to domestic and family violence. The code of practice outlines the response the community can expect when people report incidents of domestic or family violence. It also promotes the rights of people who have experienced violence and how they will be treated in a timely and professional manner that prioritises the safety, protection and wellbeing of victim-survivors.
If you think the police have breached your rights you can make a complaint:
- in person to the shift supervisor at the officer’s police station
- in writing by using the online form.
Legal support
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice provides access to counselling and financial assistance to victims of violent crime in NSW under the victims support scheme.
Victims Access Line
- Phone: 1800 633 063 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Aboriginal Contact Line
- Phone: 1800 019 123 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide only. It is not intended to constitute advice and must not be used as a substitute for professional advice.
The City of Sydney makes no warranty, representation or guarantee of any type as to the content, accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose or use of any information provided on these webpages.
If you find any information that you believe may be inaccurate, contact [email protected].
