Seven alleged domestic violence offenders arrested in Murrumbidgee during statewide crackdown

Seven alleged domestic violence offenders were arrested within the Murrumbidgee Police District last week as the result of a targeted crackdown.

Operation AMAROK is a statewide, intelligence-led operation in which police engage with known family violence offenders whom they’ve identified as having the potential to harm victims. It also focuses on finding wanted offenders and conducting bail and apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks.

The sixth iteration of the AMAROK campaign occurred between Wednesday 15 May and Saturday 18 May.

Griffith Police Inspector Glenn Smith provided the following statistics for the four-day crackdown for the Murrumbidgee area, which includes Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Hay, Ungarie, West Wyalong and surrounding small towns:

• 20 dangerous offenders were engaged
• 37 other offenders were engaged
• 7 domestic violence offenders were arrested, resulting in 19 charges
• 33 ADVO compliance checks were made
• 5 breaches of ADVOs were identified
• 5 breaches of bail were identified
• 2 firearm/weapon prohibition orders were made.

Support for female domestic violence victims

Inspector Smith said it was timely to let people know about the operation of the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), a support service for women who are experiencing family violence which is located within the Griffith Police Station. The not-for-profit provides a number of free services, such as helping formulate a plan for women’s safety, assistance in navigating the court process and connecting victims with local services such as housing and legal advice. Further information for those within the Murrumbidgee area can be obtained by calling 02 6962 3893.

New laws on coercive control

Griffith police also wanted to make people aware that a new criminal offence – coercive control – comes into effect on 1 July 2024. This is defined as both physical and non-physical abusive behaviours towards a current or former intimate partner with the intention to coerce or control them.

The new law will capture repeated patterns of abuse used to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone.

“First and foremost, coercive control is a form of domestic abuse. We can support you if your abuser is perpetrating this abuse. You are not alone,” Inspector Smith said.

Empower YOU App

NSW Police has also rolled out the free new safety app called Empower YOU, which is for people experiencing domestic and family violence.

The app, which has now been downloaded almost 13,500 times, allows the victim to keep a time-and-date diary of domestic violence incidents and store audio and video files. It also provides accurate and up-to-date contact details for services that support victims of violence.

NSW Police ask people to consider their safety before downloading this app or sharing it with anyone. Call triple zero if you’re in danger.