Northern Territory Police have charged a 22-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Palmerston.

A young mother attended a residence with her small child for a family visitation on 13 April. Police allege that the ex-partner, under the influence of drugs, refused to allow the mother to leave the residence and held her against her will until 25 April.

During this time she was allegedly assaulted several times, in the presence of the child.

On 25 April she was able to escape the residence with her child and sought refuge with friends, who contacted police.

The man was arrested on 26 April and was charged last night with:

• Deprivation of liberty
• Breach DVO
• Aggravated assault
• Criminal damage
• Supply dangerous drug schedule 1

He has been remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lawson from the Domestic and Family Violence Section said, “This was a terrible ordeal for the victim and her child, and this kind of behaviour has to stop. We will continue to target repeat and high-risk offenders as a priority and bring them before the courts.

“Anyone with information about this particular incident is asked to contact Police on 131 444 and quote reference 9669032.”

The mother and child are receiving assistance from relevant support services.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic and family violence, call 131 444 for police assistance or 000 in an emergency.