ACT Policing forms new High-Risk Domestic and Family Violence Investigation Unit

ACT Policing’s family and domestic violence response will be enhanced with the creation of a new High-Risk Domestic and Family Violence Investigation Unit.

The existing Family Violence Unit will expand to include officers dedicated to investigating the highest risk family and domestic violence offenders.

The unit will be supported by a coordination team staffed by experienced officers responsible for liaising with victim-survivors and other government partners and developing and implementing training packages.

This will see 23 ACT Policing officers solely dedicated to domestic and family violence incidents in the ACT.

First response to family and domestic violence incidents in the ACT will still be provided by general duties police officers, supported by the coordination team.

Chief Police Officer Scott Lee said the new investigation unit aimed to improve the way domestic and family violence matters were handled by ACT Policing.

“This year alone, police across the territory have responded to almost 2,000 domestic and family violence incidents,” Chief Police Officer Lee said.

“With two teams focusing on the most serious matters, the establishment of the High-Risk Domestic and Family Violence Investigation Unit aims to ease the pressure on general duties police officers and provide our most vulnerable victims with specialised support.”

Minister for the Police and Crime Prevention Mick Gentleman said as family and domestic violence incidents continued to increase, a new way to tackle the problem was required.

“I’m pleased that ACT Policing is continuing to prioritise this serious crime by boosting their existing domestic and family violence response to better support victims and put perpetrators before court,” Minister Gentleman said.

“Every Canberran should feel safe in their own home. But for those who don’t, please know there are support services and a dedicated family violence support team in ACT Policing available to help.”

If you are a victim of family or sexual violence, or believe someone you know is, you can contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, or attend any police station.       

The following support services are also available:

ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 02 6280 0900

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 02 6247 2525

YWCA Canberra 02 6185 2000

ACT Government family violence services 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

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