Police have conducted more than 8000 proactive compliance checks on domestic violence offenders and made 158 arrests during a state-wide operation focusing on reducing domestic and family violence incidents.
Operation Protector took place from Thursday 12 May 2022 to Saturday 14 May 2022 as part of the continued approach by police to prevent domestic violence crimes and enhance community safety.
The operation was led and coordinated by North West Metropolitan Region, with the support of High Risk Domestic Violence Offender Teams (HRDVOT) and Police Area Commands and Districts across the state.
It involved police:
- arresting domestic violence offenders,
- conducting proactive compliance checks for both Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) and bail compliance,
- engaging with high-risk domestic violence offenders,
- liaising with victims identified through Domestic Violence Safety Action Meetings (DVSAM) to ensure their safety and welfare.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said police respond to 400 domestic and family violence calls for assistance every day.
“Police across the state are conducting an increased volume of domestic violence risk monitoring than ever before,” Commissioner Webb said. “That means making our presence known to people who have committed these offences and are currently under strict conditions regarding their behaviour and movement.”
“We know that it takes a significant amount of strength and courage for victims of domestic violence to come forward to police. As an organisation, we are completely committed to ensuring that once they do, we help to take care of them.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said police would continue to monitor known perpetrators to prevent them from reoffending and to keep victims safe.
“These crimes often take place in the home, behind closed doors, and we’re making it our business to stamp this insidious behaviour out,” Mr Toole said.
“Any amount of time police spend knocking on doors and checking on previous offenders, who are subject to an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order or bail condition, is time well spent.
“This type of police work can often go unnoticed, but it sends a strong message that we have zero tolerance for these crimes.”
Throughout the three-day operation, police effected the following results:
- 8323 x ADVO compliance checks
- 112 x breach of ADVO incidents
- 907 x bail compliance checks
- 58 x breach of bail incidents
- 158 x arrests made
- 382 x DV Suspect Target Management Plan case actions recorded
Corporate Sponsor for Domestic Violence, Acting Deputy Commissioner Leanne McCusker said a key part of reducing the volume of these crimes was targeting reoffending.
“Police are taking a continued approach to prevent and reduce domestic violence including holding offenders accountable for their behaviour and ensuring compliance with Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders and Bail conditions,” Acting Deputy Commissioner McCusker said.
“It’s more important than ever that any breaches of these orders are reported to police so that the appropriate action can be taken to hold offenders to account.
“Domestic violence is a crime and we encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to report it to police – report early and if the behaviour continues, report often.”
