Victoria Police intensifies crackdown on family violence offenders

The proactive operation titled, Op Harmony, focused on holding family violence offenders to account and protecting victim-survivors.

Last week, Family Violence Investigation Unit detectives from Shepparton, Mitchell and Benalla visited more than 100 offenders who had breached, or were at risk of breaching, their intervention order conditions.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jaymee Cutler was part of the operation.

“We had carefully selected about 125 family violence perpetrators that we wanted to go and visit,” Det Sen Sgt Cutler said.

“These were people who were at risk of breaching the intervention order over Christmas, had already breached the intervention order or were rated ‘high’ or ‘extreme’.

“We wanted to go and visit those people and do some compliance checks on the intervention orders, reiterate the conditions of the intervention orders and offer them referral services if they’re interested in trying to become better and make some changes in their lives.

“We visited in person, knocked on the door and visited over 100 people across the Mitchell (Shire), Shepparton and Benalla areas.”

While no breaches were detected, the operation led to the arrest of three people for outstanding warrants.

Across the state, police arrest one family violence perpetrator every 18 minutes.

Det Sen Sgt Cutler said that the festive period was significant for breaches of this kind.

“While Christmas is a time for many to gather and celebrate with loved ones, it’s also a period when we see an unfortunate rise in family violence incidents,” she said.

“Over the past year, 1529 breaches of family violence orders were recorded in the Greater Shepparton region — an average of four per day.

“Our message to family violence perpetrators is simple: no closed door will shield you from being tracked down and held accountable.”

She also warned family violence offenders not to attempt to breach their orders, as police would be extra vigilant.

“During the festive season, family violence offenders can expect a knock on the door from police to ensure they’re complying with their orders and to protect victim-survivors,” Det Sen Sgt Cutler said

“Addressing family violence is a priority for us, and we remain committed to safeguarding victim-survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

“If you or someone close to you discloses they are a victim of family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a support service.”

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour, support services are available.

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.

Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au