Five Canberrans have been arrested after a series of alleged family violence offences overnight –doubling the average daily rate of family violence arrests in the ACT.

In the past 24 hours, a 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman have been arrested for failing to comply with their family violence orders which prohibited them from contacting their partners.

Police allege the man called and texted his former partner more than 200 times in one evening.

A second 30-year-old man has been charged with breaching his family violence order after he repeatedly drove past his ex-partner’s home, despite conditions stating he was prohibited from being in close proximity to her or her residence.

In a further two incidents, a 38-year-old woman was charged with two counts of assault after she allegedly assaulted her parents, while a 56-year-old man was arrested for assaulting his wife and damaging their property.

Victims were referred to emergency crisis support provided by ACT Domestic Violence and Crisis Support and will receive ongoing assistance from ACT Policing’s Family Violence Unit and ACT Policing Victim Liaison Officers.

Acting Superintendent Dave Williams, Officer in Charge Family Violence Unit, said that these types of figures are disappointing to see, but it is the stark reality of the daily abuse and trauma families are enduring.

“ACT Policing is always here to help if you are a victim of family violence. We know that even after a victim has separated themselves from an abusive partner, abuse can still occur,” Superintendent Williams said.

“Family violence doesn’t have to be physical. It can take the form of harassment via a phone, isolation from friends or restricted access to money.”

“If you are in an abusive relationship, if it is safe to do so – please reach out to police or other support services. We are here to help; you should feel safe and secure in your own home.”

If you require assistance, you can contact:  

• Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation. 
• Police Assistance on 131 444 if it is a non-emergency, but you require police assistance. 
• The ACT Policing Family Violence Unit can be contacted directly on 02 5126 9114. 
• The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre provides a 24-hour crisis line and can be contacted on 02 6280 0900. 
• The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides a 24-hour crisis line, advice, safety planning and information every day of the year and can be reached on 02 6280 0900.