Domestic violence parliamentary inquiry called on as alarming statistics released by NSW Police

The push for action to be taken comes after a Senate inquiry into domestic violence copped widespread backlash for wrapping up three months early with no submissions or public hearings held.

A new urgency around the inquiry has emerged following the NSW Police Force's latest figures, which indicate 526 apprehended violence orders had been breached across the state's southern region over the months of April and May.

Officers conducted 2,900 compliance checks in April and 2,800 in May across Lake Illawarra, Monaro, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Riverina, South Coast, The Hume and Wollongong commands.

Riverina Police District Commander, Superintendent Bob Noble, said the issue was exacerbated amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have seen an increase in domestic violence across the district, which is concerning, but not unanticipated," he said.

"This is in part a byproduct of being in isolation, children being home more, and all of those other pressures around finance and isolation from traditional support measures."

The proposed parliamentary inquiry will see the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs highlight measures to prevent all forms of violence against women and their children, including coercive control, and the efficacy of perpetrator intervention programs, and more.

The new terms of reference will see the committee examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence, hear victims stories, and seek ways of improving support services available to those suffering abuse.

Domestic Violence NSW, the peak body for specialist domestic and family violence services in NSW, welcomed the new inquiry with caution.

"We understand that this is a very important commitment and support the government in taking this action," DVNSW Interim CEO Delia Donovan said.

"We support the draft TOR, especially the important inclusion of the experiences of all women, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, rural women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, LGBTQI women, women with a disability, and women on temporary visas.

"The evidence base of the drivers of gendered violence remains essential and this is an opportunity to use and build on this knowledge to make meaningful and lasting change."

In the interim, the NSW Police Force have ran their own operation to crack down on domestic violence across the state.

More than 5,700 apprehended violence order compliance checks have been conducted by officers in the state's south since early April, as police continue to target high-risk domestic-violence offenders.

Operation Making Families Safer 2020 commenced on April 1 this year, aimed at reducing and preventing domestic violence in the Southern Region.

Acting Southern Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Greg Moore, said police will continue to exercise zero tolerance.

"Our officers have and will continue to actively knock on the doors of those known to police to keep perpetrators accountable for their actions and to show support for victims who often find themselves in vulnerable situations," he said.

"Domestic violence is a criminal offence and we're not just talking about physical assaults; it includes verbal, psychological, mental and emotional abuse.

"As well as targeting those with a history of offending, we will continue to act on information received from the community to ensure domestic violence perpetrators are dealt with swiftly and appropriately."

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or family violence, multiple services are available to provide immediate support: