Ipswich police have targeted the region’s most high-risk and high-harm domestic and family violence (DFV) offenders through Operation Shield.
Operation Shield utilises the knowledge and understanding of local officers, as well as specialist police from the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit and the Ipswich District Tactical Crime, as part of a combined response to reduce DFV offending.
Since its launch in mid-April, police attached to Operation Shield have arrested and charged 14 high-risk domestic violence offenders with a string of serious offences including stalking, assault, and contravention of domestic violence orders.
The Operation coincides with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (May) which aims to raise awareness of DFV and coercive control, highlight the support services available, and send a clear message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated.
Officer in Charge of Karana Downs, Senior Sergeant Lee Fortune, said Operation Shield proactively targeted offenders using focussed deterrence strategies.
Video: Queensland Police Service. Supplied.
“We are committed to protecting and supporting victims of domestic and family violence and holding perpetrators to account,” Senior Sergeant Fortune said.
“DFV is not only physical but can include abusive tactics that are emotional, sexual, financial, verbal, psychological or technology-based.
“We use a series of risk assessment tools; we also look at risk factors, previous offences and overlay the knowledge of our specialist officers and DFV behavioural specialists to identify offenders whose behaviour was most likely to escalate.
“Operation Shield is a great example of joining our resources to focus on DFV, hold offenders responsible and prevent further victimisation.
“Whether you’re an officer, community member, or organisation, everyone has a role to play in ending domestic and family violence.”
