EPA
NOS News•
In the Australian state of New South Wales, about 650 people were arrested last week on suspicion of committing domestic violence. The arrests were part of a special police operation that also targeted gun and drug possession. The operation took four days and led to a total of more than 1150 charges.
Of those arrested, 164 were on a list of ‘most wanted persons’ in connection with domestic violence. Among the suspects was a 22-year-old man who allegedly tried to strangle his partner until she passed out. Prohibited weapons such as an ax and machete were also seized.
Worry about victims
Against the Australian broadcaster ABC police say there were “serious concerns” about the safety of possible victims and that some suspects deliberately remained under the radar of the police.
Last year, 17 people were killed in domestic violence in the country. A deputy police commissioner tells ABC that the strategy of the police is now aimed at tackling possible suspects before it comes to murder.
National figures from 2016 show that 1 in 5 Australians aged 15 and over have experienced domestic violence at some point. Women are often the victims.
