Almost six weeks into Strikeforce Halberd and there has been 79 arrests relating to 199 Domestic Violence offences in Alice Springs alone.

Detective Superintendent Brent Warren said the Strikeforce is working with other agencies to ensure there is improved support for victims so they don’t become victims again, improved management of repeat offenders, and ultimately a significant reduction in cases of domestic violence in the community.

“Confidence is a major attribute when tacking domestic violence. The public need to have the confidence to report such violence, while victims need the confidence to come forward to Police and engage the available support to ensure they don’t become victims again.

“Anyone who thinks they can get away with such cowardly violence can be confident they will be caught and brought to justice.”

Detective Superintendent Brent Warren went on to outline just a handful of the crimes which the Strikeforce has responded to:

·An intoxicated man had an argument with his female partner, and as a result he poured methylated spirits over her head and threatened to set her on fire;

·An intoxicated man had an argument with his mother, and as a result picked up a frying pan and used it to strike her to the head;

·An intoxicated man had an argument with his female partner, as a result he kicked her to the back, then chased her into the toilet where he punched and kicked her to the face, fracturing her nose; and

·An intoxicated man had an argument with his female partner, and as a result he pushed her head into the wall, slapped her and stomped on her leg.

“Clearly alcohol is a factor in all these crimes against women but it is no excuse. The severity of this physical and emotional violence is disturbing and Police will continue to work with victims, their families and the community to bring those responsible to Justice.

“This type of crime is often committed behind closed doors but victims should not feel they are therefore alone or that they have to accept such violence against them. It is not normal, it is not acceptable and it must be stopped.

“Further, anyone aware of such offences being committed has a mandatory requirement to report it to Police.” Detective Superintendent Warren concluded.

This dedicated Police Strikeforce is supported by the work of the Family Safety Framework - providing a multi agency case management approach to assisting with Domestic Violence victims, the Indigenous Community Engagement Team who conduct proactive patrols throughout the community, and utilising the SupportLink Referral Management Service – an electronic referral system currently being trialled in Alice Springs.