Ballarat police's family violence unit is continuing to protect vulnerable family violence victims during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Statewide family violence focused Operation Ribbon was launched on April 13 in an effort to prevent the anticipated increase of family violence incidents amid COVID-19, with isolation requirements meaning people have limited access to support.
By door knocking homes or picking up the phone, the Central Highlands Family Violence Investigation Unit is regularly contacting known victims and monitoring high risk perpetrators.
Inspector Greg Payne, who oversees the Ballarat-based unit, said there had not been an increase in the usual number of reports throughout the pandemic.
While there were a few extra offences reported last weekend, the figures have remained stable compared to the number of reports received prior to isolation restrictions being put in place.
He said the focus of the operation was protecting victims and ensuring they are safe and supported.
Police are also staying in touch with high risk perpetrators.
"What we're trying to do is to engage them to make sure that they don't commit further family violence and that they understand the requirements of the intervention orders that are in place," Inspector Payne said.
"Also that they understand that any breaches of those intervention orders or inappropriate behaviour, that they'll be dealt with according to law."
Related coverage: Meet the police unit addressing family violence across the region
Where police have discovered breaches of intervention orders, Inspector Payne said immediate action had been taken.
"Some of our most vulnerable family members have their own safety plans, and they know that they've got the support agencies, and also us, to support them.
"If there's any problems or any issues, we'll step in straight away," Inspector Payne said.
Since the operation began, police have conducted 2433 checks, including 748 compliance checks on high-risk perpetrators as well as speaking with 1693 affected family members across Victoria.
Through this, they have detected 780 family violence offences, including assaults and breaches of intervention orders.
As a result, police have charged and remanded 100 people for family violence and other criminal related offences.
In addition 98 were arrested to appear in court.
Inspector Payne said addressing family violence was the work of the members in the unit and even after the pandemic is over, they would continue to do so.
Operation Ribbon will continue throughout the pandemic and afterwards, if need be.
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