ACT Policing are running their third operation this year to keep victims of family violence safe, and make offenders accountable.
Today and tomorrow, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November, police will monitor high-risk recidivist offenders to ensure they comply with their Family Violence Orders and bail conditions. Where appropriate, police will refer them to support agencies to help change their ways.
“This is critical to breaking the cycle of offending behaviours,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
At the completion of the operation, support agencies – the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Child and Youth Protection Services, and Victims Support ACT – will follow up with victim-survivors of family violence to ensure they receive support and intervention they need.
ACT Policing Family Violence Unit’s Inspector Sue Smith said the operation builds on the awareness and support of multi-agency operations in August and September.
“This year, we’ve been working with our partners to find ways to improve our engagement with victim-survivors of family violence to ensure the best outcomes for victims and their families, and all those affected by family violence,” Inspector Smith said.
Almost one in three calls to the police involve an element of family violence, an ACT Policing spokesperson said. More than 1330 women and girls had been victims of family violence between January and the end of October, compared to nearly 490 men and boys.
Coronavirus has escalated the problem. Self-isolation, potential loss of employment, and travel restrictions are stress factors that could contribute to family violence, the spokesperson said.
“Instances of family violence tend to increase in difficult times,” the spokesperson said. “We remind victims of domestic violence – you do not need to stay in your home if you feel unsafe.”
ACT Policing encourages anyone experiencing family violence to contact police. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). For a police response, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. The ACT Policing Family Violence Unit can be contacted directly on 02 5126 9114.
Or contact the Domestic Violence Crisis Service intervention line on 6280 0900.
“In the current COVID-19 environment, it is important for the community to know that ACT policing is available 24/7 to respond and support victims of family violence and their children,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
