South Australia Police made 80 arrests in the first dedicated and statewide anti-domestic abuse operation in July.
Police attended almost 400 addresses in metropolitan and regional areas, targeting 265 known offenders, ensuring bail conditions were met, issuing intervention orders, and ensuring victims have access to support.
The results included a 48 year old man from Ingle Farm charged with strangulation, aggravated serious criminal trespass, threats to kill and numerous aggravated assaults. He has appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court and has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again on 15 October 2024.
While a 66 year old man from Mawson Lakes was issued a stalking caution for maintaining surveillance of an ex-partner.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams said the goal of Operation Storm was to proactively identify domestic abuse offenders who pose a threat to victims and deter perpetrators through intensified intervention responses.
"Domestic abuse is always a priority for South Australia Police, with high-risk offenders being arrested quickly and, in most cases, we refuse bail to keep those offenders in custody," Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
"Public Protection Branch took an intelligence led approach to identify offenders with a history of breaching bail or intervention orders, online or physical stalking, and those with access to firearms and or prohibition orders. A target's recent offending or mental health were also components of the intelligence gathering process.
"This operation shows our commitment to preventing domestic abuse, and we are committed to not only taking actions against offenders who pose a threat to victims, but also proactively identifying opportunities to refer offenders to behaviour change programs."
More than 400 police officers across all policing areas completed 46 bail compliance checks, charged people for 148 offences, and executed 21 warrants for the various domestic abuse offences.
Eight firearms prohibition order compliance searches were conducted, 148 charges with 22 intervention orders served, as well as a stalking caution.
Operation Storm saw 85 referrals to Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services of South Australia (OARS), with future operations looking to expand the referral program to other providers.
"SAPOL believes working with other agencies is one of the core ways that effective early intervention and prevention can occur," Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
"Police are a part of a larger network of agencies who work together to provide the best and safest outcome for a victim and children caught up in family violence.
One such initiative is the Multi Agency Protection Service (MAPS) which shares information between agencies in managing domestic violence and related child protection matters.
"Police officers are also stationed in two Multi Agency Hubs, where victims can make a report in a safe environment," Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme enables people who are in a relationship or third parties who are concerned about someone who may be at risk of domestic violence to ask information about a partner or former partner.
All members of our community have a right to be safe, contact police or go to a family violence provider if you or someone you know if experiencing family violence.
