Three arrested in family violence operation

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Cade Lucas

Three people were arrested during a two-day operation targeting high risk family violence offenders in Wyndham and Melbourne’s west.

Operation Lift involved detectives from the Westgate Family Violence Investigation Unit and Family Violence Command apprehending perpetrators known to actively avoid police detection.

Suburbs targeted during the operation included Williams Landing, Werribee, Point Cook and Tarneit, as well as Delahey and Harkness.

During the operation three men were arrested for offences including contravening a safety notice, aggravated assault and criminal damage.

Two were charged on summons, while the third was charged and bailed to appear at court at a later date.

Police also served seven intervention orders; executed four outstanding bench warrants to those who failed to appear at court for family violence offences and executed four whereabouts for those wanted in relation to ongoing family violence investigations.

Westgate Family Violence Investigation Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Katerina Barisic said last week’s operation formed part of police’s ongoing commitment in responding to family violence and managing perpetrators.

“We are absolutely committed to holding family violence perpetrators to account,” Detective Acting Sergeant Barisic said.

“That’s why we’ll continue to run these targeted operations to send a clear message to perpetrators: violence will be not tolerated.

To victim-survivors, know that when you’re ready, we have a dedicated team of detectives at Westgate who will be there to support and protect you.”

Those either experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence or who know someone who is, are urged to seek help from police or a support service.

Support is available 24 hours a day through Safe Steps by phoning 1800 015 188 or emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au

In an emergency call Triple-0. If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.