Crime in its many forms can impact the wellbeing of not only victims, but also their families, friends and the wider community. It has the potential to inflict financial, physical, emotional and psychological suffering upon those most directly affected. Fear of crime can affect people by restricting community engagement, reducing levels of trust and impacting on social cohesion. Crime is also costly on a wider scale in terms of the provision of law enforcement, legal and corrective services.

In 2009-10, of all Australians aged 15 years and over, 5.7% (just under one million persons) were victims of at least one assault (including physical assault and threatened assault) in the 12 months prior to interview. This was a decrease from 6.3% in 2008-09. In 2009-10, 57% of people who experienced assault were male.

Victims of household break-ins may experience financial losses and psychological distress due to feelings of vulnerability and associated stressors.

In 2009-10, 254,500 (3.0%) of Australia’s 8.4 million households were victims of at least one break-in into their home, shed or garage in the 12 months prior to interview. There was no significant change since 2008-09 where 3.3% of households were a victim of a break-in.

For a more in-depth discussion about how crime relates to progress and whether it is improving in Australia, please see the Crime chapter in Measures of Australia’s Progress, 2010 (cat. no. 1370.0).