It is common for People to pretend the holidays calm things down. The data says the opposite. BOCSAR tracked police recorded assaults across 2010 to 2023 (excluding 2020 and 2021) and found NSW police record the highest DV assault volumes on New Year’s Day, with DV assault 118% above the daily median. Christmas Day and Boxing Day follow close behind, with DV assault 78% above the daily median on both days.
That spike does not happen by magic. It happens because people mix alcohol, stress, family conflict, money pressure, and long hours stuck together. BOCSAR calls out alcohol consumption, crowded gatherings, and emotional stress as key drivers.
When police attend these incidents, they keep laying the same charges. Here is the reality.
The most common DV charges police lay in NSW over Christmas and New Year
1. Contravene an ADVO (breach of AVO)
This charge leads the pack statewide.
BOCSAR recorded 25,520 DV breach AVO incidents in the 12 months to September 2025. Police lay this charge when a person knowingly breaks an ADVO condition, such as no contact, no approach, or no attend. The base offence carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment or 50 penalty units, or both. With
recent changes to the law, the contravention of the ADVO now may land you in gaol for a period of 5 years and/or a fine of $16,500.
Holiday trigger: People “just pop over” or “just message” and step straight into a criminal offence.
2. Stalk or intimidate (DV)
This charge covers threats, harassment, repeated calls or messages, following, showing up, and other conduct that causes fear. BOCSAR recorded 24,779 DV intimidation, stalking and harassment incidents in the 12 months to September 2025.
Section 13 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 sets a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment or 50 penalty units, or both. NSW Police regularly list this charge in DV operations, including Operation Amarok XII.
Holiday trigger: Break ups, custody arguments, and alcohol fuelled rage turn into relentless contact and threats.
3. Common assault (DV)
This charge covers physical acts like pushing, slapping, grabbing, and also threats that cause immediate fear. BOCSAR recorded 27,745 DV common assault incidents in the 12 months to September 2025.
Section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 sets a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment.
Holiday trigger: Family gatherings and long days at home create more flashpoints, and police attend more jobs.
4. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV)
Police lay this charge when the assault causes actual bodily harm, including bruising and similar injuries. BOCSAR recorded 9,734 DV actual bodily harm incidents in the 12 months to September 2025.
Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1900 sets 5 years maximum, and 7 years if the offence occurs in company.
NSW Police laid many charges of ABH in a DV incident during Operation Amarok XII.
5. Choking, suffocation, strangulation
Courts treat choking allegations as serious risk behaviour. Police often lay this charge alongside assault and intimidation. Section 37 of the Crimes Act 1900 includes an offence for intentionally choking, suffocating or strangling without consent, with a maximum penalty of 5 years for that offence.
NSW Police laid numerous counts of an intentional choking offence in a DV context during Operation Amarok XII.
6. Reckless grievous bodily harm or reckless wounding
These charges show up when violence escalates and injuries become severe. Section 35 of the Crimes Act 1900 includes offences with maximum penalties that reach 10 years for some forms, and 7 years for reckless wounding.
Holiday trigger: Alcohol plus escalation plus access to weapons or household objects can turn a “fight” into a life changing injury.
7. Destroy or damage property (often called malicious damage)
DV incidents often include smashed phones, broken doors, damaged cars, and wrecked property. Section 195 of the Crimes Act 1900 sets a maximum penalty of 5 years, and 10 years if fire or explosives cause the damage.
NSW Police listed destroy or damage property in DV related charges during Operation Amarok XII.
What NSW Police media shows during DV crackdowns
NSW Police ran Operation Amarok XII from 12 to 15 November 2025 and publicly reported the results:
- Police arrested and charged 752 people.
- Police laid 1,629 charges.
- Police conducted 13,369 ADVO compliance checks and identified 395 breaches.
Police also listed common DV charge combinations in that release, including ABH, choking, and stalk or intimidate. Police also listed DV matters involving alleged intimate image offences and carriage service harassment type offences in the same operation context.
Translation: police actively hunt breaches and high-risk offenders, and they lay charges fast.
The holiday period timing matters
BOCSAR found the peak time for assaults around New Year hits midnight to 3am, which links directly to New Year’s Eve drinking and late night conflict. So, if someone tells you “it only happened because it was New Year’s”, that excuse does not help. It explains the pattern. It does not excuse the charge.
If police charge you over the holidays, expect this next
- Police often seek strict bail conditions, especially no contact and no-go zones.
- Police often apply for an ADVO at the same time as the criminal charges.
- Police treat repeat breaches like a flashing neon sign, they escalate enforcement.
Getting help in NSW
If you face immediate danger, call 000. NSW Police also list 131 444 for non- emergency help and Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 for information reporting. (police.nsw.gov.au)
NSW Police also point victim survivors to 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732.
Blacktown and Western Sydney note
Holiday DV charges hit hard in Western Sydney because police respond fast and courts move quickly on bail, ADVOs, and breaches. If you face charges in Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Parramatta, or nearby Local Courts, you need advice early, before you talk yourself into a worse outcome. At Pannu Lawyers, we don’t just defend—we win cases, negotiate withdrawals, reduce charges, and secure not guilty verdicts. Our team has successfully defended hundreds of clients across Western Sydney, including business professionals, tradesmen, and parents facing life- changing allegations.
Whether you’re seeking to avoid a conviction, defend your reputation, or keep your family together, our legal team is here to fight for you.
Contact the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney!
If you have been charged with a domestic violence offence or served with an ADVO in Sydney, do not delay. Every moment counts.
Call Pannu Lawyers today and speak directly with the Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney. Your future depends on the strength of your defence—make sure it starts with the right team.
Pannu Lawyers – When Experience Matters, We Defend.