NSW Police have made 551 arrests, laid 642 charges, seized 84 firearms and carried out almost 15,000 AVO compliance checks across the state during a four-day domestic and family violence blitz.
The intelligence-based policing strategy Operation Amarok, targeting high-risk offenders, came with a twist this time though.
Police turned their attention to education during the days of action between Wednesday, August 21, and Saturday, August 24.
Officers presented to more than 10,000 students at 120 schools - including in the Lake Macquarie and Hunter areas - on respectful relationships and coercive control.
NSW Police executive sponsor for domestic and family violence, Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said educating the next generation was just as important as locking up offenders.
"Kids are our future and teaching them about domestic violence early gives them the power to break the cycle," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said the high number of arrests was not the only measure of the operation's success.
"While the intent of Amarok is to ensure we hold our most serious domestic violence offenders to account, prevention of domestic violence crimes is our key aim," he said.
"Our officers conducted thousands of interactions with both victims and perpetrators across the state, ensuring police remain highly visible and offenders know they are never out of our sights."
He reassured the community that all police were focused on preventing domestic violence and engaging with the community on a daily basis, not just during these targeted operations.
Anyone with information about domestic and family violence offenders should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Reports of domestic and family-related crime or abuse can be made by contacting or attending the local police station near you. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
Information about the NSW Police response to domestic and family violence can be found on the force's website.
Targeting High-Risk Offenders
Operation Amarok VII was a four-day statewide blitz targeting high-risk domestic violence offenders. The operation saw police arrest 551 offenders and lay 642 charges, including possession of illegal firearms. This operation was a clear example of NSW Police’s commitment to cracking down on domestic violence and ensuring the safety of victims.
Education is Key in Breaking the Cycle
This year, Operation Amarok introduced a new element: education. Police officers visited over 120 schools and presented to over 10,000 students on the dangers of domestic violence and coercive control. This focus on preventative measures underscores the importance of educating younger generations about healthy relationships and the warning signs of abusive behavior. Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell emphasized the significance of this educational initiative, stating: "Kids are our future and teaching them about domestic violence early gives them the power to break the cycle."
Beyond the Blitz: The Ongoing Fight
The success of Operation Amarok VII extends beyond the four days of action. This initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of NSW Police to address the issue of domestic violence. Police are actively engaged in community outreach and victim support initiatives year-round. This includes regular bail checks, domestic violence order compliance checks, and ongoing investigations of suspected perpetrators.
The message from NSW Police is clear: they will continue to pursue high-risk domestic violence offenders, bring them to justice, and work tirelessly to prevent future acts of violence.
