Family violence liaison officer Sergeant Matt Walker said across one shift, 11 Victoria Police members served 20 intervention orders, interviewed 15 people over family violence matters and assisted local real estate agents with warrant of possessions (forcible evictions).
Sgt Walker said three men aged between 30 and 40 from Greater Shepparton were arrested and charged concerning breaching family violence intervention orders.
He said two further charges for possessing a drug of dependence were also laid.
One of the men was remanded in police custody.
The operation took place around the same time as Victoria Police released data last week showing a record number of family violence arrests were being made, with one perpetrator being apprehended every 17 minutes.
Sgt Walker said while the number of family violence-related arrests had risen, it didn’t necessarily mean more crimes of that nature were happening; rather, it could be that people were becoming more willing to report incidents and placing their trust in police.
He said the main objective of the operation was community safety.
“It’s for the protection of affected family members in the community,” Sgt Walker said.
“Family violence has been on the rise for quite some time.
“We’re hoping to stay on top of it here with these measures.”
∎ If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au. Safe Steps also has webchat available on weekdays from 9am to midnight, which can be accessed by visiting safesteps.org.au/live-chat.
∎ If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour, No to Violence runs a men’s referral service that helps men who use violence to change their behaviour, and can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
∎ In an emergency call 000. If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
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