A man has been arrested in Maitland and charged with assault, drug and stalking offences as part of a four-day state-wide operation targeting domestic and family violence.
Operation Amarok VIII ran from November 13 to 16, and led to more than 500 people being charged with more than 1200 offences.
One of the people charged was a 23-year-old man after he was arrested at a Rutherford home about 7.30am on November 15 in relation to domestic violence offences alleged to have occurred in August and October 2024.
Police will allege the man assaulted and threatened a woman known to him.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with:
- two counts of contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (DV),
- two counts of armed with intent commit indictable offence,
- two counts of common assault (DV),
- two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV),
- two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), and
- possess prohibited drug.
He faced Maitland Local Court where he was refused bail to appear before the same court on January 16, 2025.
As part of the police operation, officers conducted 10,434 Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) compliance checks, detecting 455 breaches.
Police also attended more than 100 schools and 12 U-Nites events - a PCYC-led initiative to create a safe space for young people to engage in activities - to deliver presentations on respectful relationships and coercive control.
Minister for Police and and the Hunter Yasmin Catley said education was as important as enforcement.
"The NSW Police Force are on the frontline of domestic and family violence, often responding at the point of crisis," she said.
"Operation Amarok is just one way police respond to this hideous crime and keep a check on high-risk individuals to help prevent future offending. It sends a strong message that these criminal actions are not tolerated.
"Enforcement is crucial but we must stop this offending before it happens which is why police are going into schools, supporting the next generation to understand healthy relationships and giving them the knowledge and tools to recognise and take action against this behaviour."
Assistant Commissioner Peter Mckenna, said the results demonstrated that Operation Amarok VIII had proven to be successful.
"NSW Police is committed to tackling domestic violence offenders across the state and ensuring those who are subject to prohibition orders are compliant," he said. "Those who aren't compliant, are dealt with accordingly.
"While Operation Amarok VIII successfully disrupted targeted offenders, our officers continue to work with hundreds of victims to ensure their safety.
"More than 1700 apprehended violence orders were served during the operation.
"Operation Amarok has concluded for now, but it should serve as a reminder to every domestic violence offender in NSW: you are on our radar.
"Police will continue high visibility operations to help protect victims of domestic violence."
Victims of domestic and family violence can find information about support services by contacting 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visiting: https://www.1800respect.org.au.
