Partnerships provide family violence victim survivors support and intervention

ACT Policing is working with support agencies to strengthen the ability to keep victims of family violence safe and offenders accountable.

ACT Policing’s Family Violence Unit in partnership with the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Child and Youth Protection Service and Victims Support ACT provide victim-survivors of family violence with support and intervention.

Police will be monitoring recidivist offenders to ensure they are compliant with bail conditions.

In a coordinated response, victims of family violence will be contacted to ensure their safety and that they can access the support they need. Offenders will also be provided assistance to get the help they need.

Family Violence Unit’s Inspector Sue Smith said in the current COVID-19 environment, it was important for the community to know that ACT Policing is available 24/7 to respond and support victims of family violence and their children.

“We remind victims of domestic violence – you do not need to stay in your home if you feel unsafe,” Inspector Smith said.

“ACT Policing understands it is difficult for a victim of family violence to seek help and especially during the COVID-19 environment, police may not always be the first point of contact, as support needed is often broader than the investigation of a criminal act.”

“It is important that victims of family violence, and their family and friends, feel supported when they engage with support services and ACT Policing.”

ACT Policing encourages anyone experiencing family violence to contact police during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an emergency phone Triple Zero (000). Or, for a police response, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. The Family Violence Unit can be contacted directly on 5126 9114.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au