Riverina police are cracking down on domestic violence this month in response to concerns around the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on those at risk of harm.
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Superintendent Bob Noble said police had launched 'Operation Compliance' for the month of April to increase prevention efforts as the community spends more time confined to their home.
It comes as local domestic violence workers express concern that life in close quarters for could compound dangerous family situations in the coming weeks.
Superintendent Noble said Riverina police would be "doubling" their efforts around prevention.
"Police from across the Riverina district for the entire of the month of April will be strictly enforcing compliance with domestic violence orders and will be very, very intrusively visiting DV repeat offenders," he said.
He said police would also be checking in on victims of domestic violence, as well as people subject to Apprehended Violence Orders to provide support to those at risk of harm and to monitor the behaviour of offenders on their radar.
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"We anticipate reporting could increase, what we don't want is for harm to increase and we want to ensure that people get a very strong message," Superintendent Noble said.
"Rest assured, if you're subject to an order in terms of domestic violence or if you have a history of it, there'll be a knock on your door, frequently, during this coming month."
He said the Wagga community would not stand for violence in the home and encouraged the community to contact police or Crimestoppers if they or someone they knew was at risk.
"To anyone out there who may be experiencing domestic violence or any form of abuse in the home or in a relationship, or that might be aware that its going on ... they should let someone know because every domestic violence situation, every situation where there is abuse in the home, is a potential homicide," he said.
"As a society we will not tolerate this."
Contact
Wagga Police Station: 6922 2599
Crimestoppers: 1800 333 000
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Wagga Women's Health Centre: 02 6921 3333
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800