Murder

Murder is a complex and high-profile offence which results in profound trauma and loss for the victim and their families.

This page presents victims of murder recorded by NSW Police. BOCSAR independently verifies these records against other available data sources. The data are limited to incidents classified as murder by police and include an indicator of whether the incident is related to domestic and family violence (DFV), based on the NSW statutory definition. This page present long term trends in murder victimisation rates. 

Data file: Murder victim statistics (XLSX, 148.7 KB)

Infographic: Domestic violence related murder in NSW  (PDF, 255.9 KB)

At a glance: Murder trends in NSW (December 2025)

Over the 20 years to December 2025, the number of murder victims in NSW has fallen substantially, including a decline in domestic violence–related murder victims.

In 2025, there were 82 murder victims in NSW, this was 8 fewer victims than in 2024. Of these, 32 victims were killed in domestic violence–related incidents. Women and children accounted for the majority of domestic violence murder victims, including 14 women and six children (20 victims).

  

Understanding the data

Scope of offences: Data include police-recorded incidents categorised as murder only. Other forms of homicide, such as manslaughter or attempted murder, are not included.

Definition of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV): An incident is classified as DFV-related where it meets the definition of a domestic relationship under section 5 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007. This includes current or former partners, relatives, household members, and people who share a child.

Counting rule: Data are based on victims recorded by police, regardless of whether a person has been charged or whether any charges laid relate specifically to murder or to another offence.


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