ACT Policing is set to work with Government support Agencies, to strengthen their ability to keep victims of family violence safe and offenders accountable.
The police said their Family Violence Unit was partnering with the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Child and Youth Protection Service and Victims Support ACT to provide victim survivors of family violence with support and intervention.
“Police will be monitoring recidivist offenders to ensure they are compliant with bail conditions,” they said.
“In a coordinated response, victims of family violence will be contacted to ensure their safety and that they can access the support they need.”
The police said offenders would also be provided assistance to get the help they need.
ACT Policing’s Family Violence Unit Inspector Sue Smith said that in the current COVID-19 environment it was important for the community to know police were available 24/7 to respond and support victims of family violence and their children.
“We remind victims of domestic violence – you do not need to stay in your home if you feel unsafe,” Inspector Smith said.
“ACT Policing understands it is difficult for a victim of family violence to seek help and especially during the COVID-19 environment police may not always be the first point of contact, as support needed is often broader than the investigation of a criminal act,” she said.
“It is important that victims of family violence, and their family and friends, feel supported when they engage with support services and ACT Policing.”
Inspector Smith encouraged anyone experiencing family violence to contact police.
In an emergency, Triple Zero (000) is the number to call, for police response it’s 131 444 and for Family Violence Unit, 5126 9114.
