In a targeted initiative across South Australia, police have focused on nearly 400 known domestic violence offenders in a two-week operation dubbed Operation Storm. This crackdown resulted in the arrest of 78 individuals convicted of domestic violence, alongside the issuance of 25 intervention orders and seven stalking cautions. One notable incident involved a 24-year-old man from the APY Lands, who was arrested for multiple aggravated assaults on his partner and subsequently threatened the police with an axe and a pole, highlighting the severity of the threat he posed not only to his victim but also to law enforcement.
This marks the third operation of its kind since July last year, with a total of 245 arrests recorded under the ongoing initiative. Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams expressed concern about the persistently high number of arrests related to domestic violence. Authorities plan to continue these targeted operations quarterly to address this critical issue.
For those affected by domestic violence, support is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service by calling 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).