Stage four of a major state-wide South Australia Police (SAPOL) operation has garnered impressive results in the fight against domestic and family violence, including 66 arrests across a recent two-week period.
Operation Storm's fourth dedicated anti-domestic abuse operation ran from April 28, 2025, to May 12, 2025, with 331 police officers targeting 411 offenders and attending 408 addresses throughout the state to locate high risk domestic abuse offenders, issue intervention orders and ensure offender's bail conditions were met.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams said, overall, Operation Storm has improved the safety of hundreds of victims and children in South Australia.
Operation Storm has resulted in the arrest of 311 domestic abuse offenders and the issue of 98 intervention orders since its commencement in July 2024.
Within the eight weeks of dedicated days to Operation Storm in the 2024/2025 period, SAPOL has utilised 1175 police members to investigate 1423 domestic violence offenders in South Australia, seeing 1636 addresses attended and 516 support referrals for offenders to access rehabilitation services.
"The recent days of action demonstrate we will continue to check on high-risk individuals, we will take action against offending, we will monitor compliance of bail and intervention order condition to help protect victims and prevent future domestic and family violence offending," Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
"I commend the hundreds of dedicated officers across the state for their commitment to deterring domestic abuse and referring offenders to behaviour change programs.
"This operation sends a strong message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated, and those who commit serious criminal offences will be held accountable and can expect to come to the attention of SAPOL."
The conclusion of the first 12 months of Operation Storm has seen the following outcomes:
- Arrests 311
- Reports 73
- Warrants cleared 71
- Offences charged 657
- Bail compliance checks 239
- Intervention Orders issued 98
- Support referral provided 516
- Firearm Prohibition Order searches 26
- Stalking Cautions issued 17
During Stage 4 of the Operation a 22-year-old Evanston Gardens man was among the arrests following a domestic disturbance. Police attended his home after he threatened to stab the family dog and then threatened family members with a knife. He was arrested for Aggravated Assault, Property Damage, and Assaulting an Emergency Services worker.
In another case, a 44-year-old Berri man, who is recorded as a high-risk domestic abuse offender, was arrested for five counts of Aggravated Assault and Cause Harm, including several strangulation offences. The man was taken into custody, and a full non-contact police intervention was issued at the Berri Magistrates Court. The man was remanded in custody.
"All members of our community have a right to be safe, and we encourage anyone experiencing family and domestic violence to contact police," Deputy Commissioner Williams added.
"If you're not confident or comfortable in talking to a police officer, go to a family violence service provider and they will assist you and contact police if necessary.
"We continue to monitor and assess risk, while sharing the information with other services as part of a multi-agency response."
Meanwhile, Operation Storm has strengthened accountability for people who choose to use violence with specific and measurable targets, as outlined it the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
For more information on domestic violence, visit SAPOL - Domestic violence
If this media release has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732 or by visiting www.1800respect.org.au. Help and support are also available through Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.
