A month-long police blitz against domestic violence offenders in South Australia has led to 80 arrests in an operation focused on prevention and early intervention.
Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams said the goal of Operation Storm was to identify offenders who posed a threat to victims and to deter perpetrators through intensified intervention.
"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," Ms Williams said.
Police targeted 265 known offenders, ensuring bail conditions were met, issuing intervention orders and making sure victims had access to support.
A 48-year-old Ingle Farm man was remanded in custody after a court appearance on charges of strangulation, aggravated serious criminal trespass, threats to kill and numerous aggravated assaults.
A 66-year-old Mawson Lakes man was issued with a stalking caution for maintaining surveillance of an ex-partner.
Ms Williams said Operation Storm would be conducted statewide, four times a year.
She said the 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 or subject to prohibition orders.
"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," Ms Williams said.
More than 400 officers completed 46 bail compliance checks and executed 21 warrants for domestic abuse offences.
Eight firearms prohibition order compliance searches were conducted, 148 charges were laid, and 22 intervention orders were served, as well as a stalking caution.
There were 85 referrals to Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services of SA, 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," Ms Williams said.
This includes the Multi Agency Protection Service, which shares information between agencies in managing domestic violence and child protection matters.
"Police officers are also stationed in two Multi Agency Hubs, where victims can make a report in a safe environment," Ms Williams said.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme enables people in a relationship, or third parties concerned about someone who may be at risk of domestic violence, to request information about a partner or former partner.
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