Police operation targeting family violence perpetrators

Victoria Police has announced a new police operation dedicated to reducing the anticipated increase of family violence incidents during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Senior Sergeant Shane Keogh, commanding officer of the Warrnambool-based south-west family violence unit, said there had so far been no increase in reports of family violence incidents.

But he said that historically there were increased reports of up to 30 per cent after emergencies.

"All services are open and available to victims and perpetrators of family violence," he said

"We continue to check with our recidivist offenders and our most vulnerable victims.

"We are working closely with Emma House and Brophy."

Senior Sergeant Keogh said police would continue to pursue a proactive approach to family violence.

"We are not just knocking on doors checking on vulnerable people," he said.

"We are also making contact by telephone, texting and via email to give vulnerable people every opportunity to report issues to police."

Emma House executive officer Ruth Isbel said it was a very positive initiative that would increase the opportunities for vigilance and monitoring of high risk perpetrators of family violence and check on the well-being of victim survivor across the state.

"We at Emma House are acutely aware that for some people, mostly women and children, being at home is more frightening and harmful than contracting the coronavirus," she said.

"We have seen a sharp decline in contacts to our service with the introduction of the COVID-19 public health measures and Operation Ribbon provides another way for victim survivors to seek help and support in a safe way.

"Emma House works closely with Victoria Police and encourages people experiencing family violence to contact police in an emergency."

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said Operation Ribbon involved specialist detectives from the Family Violence Investigation Units across the state actively checking in on those who have been assessed as a high risk of being the victim of further family violence offending.

It will also see police from these units conducting compliance checks to ensure perpetrators understand their obligations.

"We are sending a strong and clear warning to perpetrators; closed doors will not protect you from being held to account," he said.

Police Minister Lisa Neville urged women living with family violence to contact police.

"Although we haven't, and nor have agencies, seen a significant increase in family violence cases we remain concerned that there are some heightened risks out there," she said.

"Also we remain concerned that for many making that phone call is also very difficult when you might have the perpetrator with you at home."

Ms Neville said the purpose of the operation was for police to reach out to victims of family violence and also known perpetrators.

"For those women and children out there who are concerned know that Victoria Police is continuing to operate 24-hour seven day a week service," she said.

"Don't hesitate. Ring triple-0. Reach out to a friend but also know through this operation Victoria Police members will also be reaching out to you. Take that helping hand from Victoria Police if you need it.

"We have seen declines in other crimes during this period but family violence is not going to reduce during this period, this is a crime that is likely to increase."

The operation, which began last week, has seen police conduct 347 checks, including 106 compliance checks on high-risk perpetrators and speak to 241 affected family members across the state.

During these visits, 44 family violence offences were detected including breaches of intervention order and assault.

This has resulted in 13 people being charged and remanded for family violence related and other criminal offences. A further 11 people were also arrested and will appear in court at a later date.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call triple-0.