Ipswich police have targeted the region’s most high-risk and high-harm domestic and family violence (DFV) offenders through Operation Shield.
Operation Shield utilises the knowledge and understanding of local officers, as well as specialist police from the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit and the Ipswich District Tactical Crime, as part of a combined response to reduce DFV offending.
Since its launch in mid-April, police attached to Operation Shield have arrested and charged 14 high-risk domestic violence offenders with a string of serious offences including stalking, assault, and contravention of domestic violence orders.
The Operation coincides with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (May) which aims to raise awareness of DFV and coercive control, highlight the support services available, and send a clear message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated.
Officer in Charge of Karana Downs, Senior Sergeant Lee Fortune, said Operation Shield proactively targeted offenders using focussed deterrence strategies.
“We are committed to protecting and supporting victims of domestic and family violence and holding perpetrators to account,” Senior Sergeant Fortune said.
“DFV is not only physical but can include abusive tactics that are emotional, sexual, financial, verbal, psychological or technology-based.
“We use a series of risk assessment tools; we also look at risk factors, previous offences and overlay the knowledge of our specialist officers and DFV behavioural specialists to identify offenders whose behaviour was most likely to escalate.
“Operation Shield is a great example of joining our resources to focus on DFV, hold offenders responsible and prevent further victimisation.
“Whether you’re an officer, community member, or organisation, everyone has a role to play in ending domestic and family violence.”
Vision: https://r2.mypolice.qld.gov.au/uploads/2024/05/20/015841_operation-shield-ipswich-dv.mp4
Vision explainer:
0 – 13: Police charged a 39-year-old Goodna man with one count each of unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment or abuse, and contravention of a domestic violence order. He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on May 31.
14 – 19: Police charged a 31-year-old Raceview man with contravention of a domestic violence order. He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on June 12.
19 – 31: Police charged a 43-year-old Springfield man with contravention of a domestic violence order. He is due to appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on June 3.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
