The NSW Police Force has launched a proactive Statewide operation targeting perpetrators of domestic and family violence to coincide with the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence, and Assistant Police Commissioner, Leanne McCusker said NSW police were supporting the international campaign, running until 10 December, through proactive policing operations and awareness-raising events.
“While we might not be able to host large events like community walks, it is vital that we continue to check on the safety of victims and their children,” Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.
“Police remain committed to preventing domestic and family violence, supporting victims, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable 365 days of the year,” she said.
Assistant Commissioner McCusker said that, during the operation, police would implement a number of strategies to disrupt and prevent recidivist offending and ensure the safety of victims.
She said police did not just wait for reports of incidents, “we actively engage in proactive policing initiatives to identify, assess and target individuals who are suspected of being repeat offenders to reduce crime”.
Assistant Commissioner McCusker said this included Apprehended Domestic Violence Order compliance checks, proactive checks targeting known offenders and additional support to at-risk victims, with assistance from the Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Teams (DV HROT).
“Our message is that gender-based violence is everyone’s business,” she said.
“There are no innocent bystanders when it comes to domestic and family violence.
“Community attitudes and changing behaviours will make the biggest different in reducing incidences of not only violence, but discrimination towards women,” Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.
