Victoria Police’s Eastern Region detectives teamed up with detectives from NSW Police to track down perpetrators throughout December and January.
Police door-knocked on about 160 properties to enforce actions against perpetrators.
The joint operation took place across multiple suburbs in Victoria Police’s Eastern Region and specifically focused on repeat offenders known to strike multiple times within a 12-month period.
The main days of focus included Christmas Day — which ranks as one of the most prevalent times for family violence — as well as Boxing Day and the new year period.
Those arrested have allegedly committed multiple violent crimes against current and former partners and their children, including physical assaults, threats, harassment, stalking and technology-facilitated abuse.
Some have multiple outstanding warrants and are flouting family violence safety notices and family violence intervention orders.
Arrests made include:
- A 42-year-old man who was wanted by police for serious family violence offending involving non-fatal strangulation, aggravated assault and persistent contravention of a family violence safety notice. The man was arrested in Shepparton and has been bailed to face court in January.
- A 26-year-old man who was wanted by police for an outstanding whereabouts relating to family violence offending perpetrated against his sister. Alleged offending involved threats to inflict serious injury. The man was arrested in Cobram and has been bailed to face court in April.
- An 84-year-old man who allegedly committed a family violence-related aggravated burglary, made threats to kill and absconded from bail in Queensland. The man had been evading police for several weeks before being tracked down and arrested on warrant in Cobram. He has been remanded in custody to face court this month.
- A 37-year-old man who was wanted by police for serious family violence offending, including stalking and intimidating a victim with the intended fear of physical harm, as well as contravening a family violence intervention order. The man was arrested on warrant by police in North Albury and has been remanded in custody to face court in January.
Eastern Region Family Violence Detective Senior Sergeant Damien Peppler said the arrests made sent a clear message to family violence offenders.
“This operation shows just how serious we are in ensuring recidivist family violence perpetrators are held responsible for the violent crimes they inflict on their partners and children,” he said.
“Closed doors will not protect (them) from being caught. They will be tracked down by police and held to account.”
Poice said that if you, or someone close to you, disclosed they were a victim of family violence, you should encourage them to contact police.
Police will make referrals to specialist family violence services and agencies, who provide additional support and assistance, such as accommodation, to ensure the ongoing wellbeing and safety of victims.
If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour, No to Violence runs a Men’s Referral Service, which helps men who use violence to change their behaviour and can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
Crisis Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by phoning 1800 015 188, and if someone is in immediate danger always call 000.
