Victoria Police sting nabs 70 ‘notorious’ alleged family violence offenders

A man accused of beating his former partner in public so badly he broke her teeth was among dozens of “notorious” family violence perpetrators arrested in a major police sting.

A man accused of beating his former partner in public so badly he broke her teeth was among dozens of “notorious” family violence perpetrators arrested in a major police sting.

Almost 70 alleged offenders were taken into custody during the three-day operation aimed at protecting the lives of women and children at risk of danger.

Among those charged was a 31-year-old man who allegedly assaulted his ex-partner in public.

The attack was so brutal the woman’s teeth were broken and her face slashed and bruised, police allege.

Another man, 39, was arrested over a series of alleged assaults on his former partner and her dog.

Many of the alleged perpetrators were wanted by police for months but blackmailed their victims into keeping their location secret.

One alleged offender was found by police hiding beneath the bed of his victim, whom he was ordered to stay away from.

Police have carried out a major operation to combat domestic violence.

Police served 47 family violence intervention orders and executed 58 outstanding warrants over the course of the operation in the southern metro region from June 27 – 29.

The group of men were charged not only with multiple assaults and threats, but with technology-facilitated abuse offences such as stalking.

Inspector Rodney Maroney said women and children deserved to live without fear.

“Family violence is never acceptable. It can never be excused and it can never be justified,” Insp Maroney said.

Family Violence Command Taskforce Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Andrew Cummins warned offenders that there was no hiding from the law.

“Some have gone to great lengths to avoid apprehension, displaying coercive control over their victims or using friends and family to stay in hiding – but they are always in the sights of police,” Sen Sgt Cummins said.

“Our message is clear: there is nowhere to hide. We will find you and we will hold you to account for your actions.”

Police arrest a family violence perpetrator every 18 minutes in Victoria.

Almost 96,000 acts of violence were recorded in the past year alone, making family violence the state’s biggest law enforcement issue.

Last year, ex-partners overtook current partners as the biggest group of offenders.

Unlike previous years when violence tended to stop once a victim fled an abusive household, advances in technology have meant some women can never fully escape.

Stalking devices, spyware and social media apps allow offenders to gain access, torment and threaten their victims on a 24-hour basis and pose an ongoing challenge for enforcement and welfare authorities

Help is available at Safe Steps 1800 015 18. If you are in danger call triple-0.

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