NSW DV blitz nets 752 arrests and dramatic river rescue

NSW Police have arrested 752 people and laid more than 1,600 charges in a domestic violence blitz, Operation Amarok XII, which also saw officers rescue a 44-year-old woman from the Parramatta River after an alleged assault at Wentworth Point.

S Arefin November 17, 2025 2 minutes read

New South Wales Police have arrested more than 750 people and laid over 1,600 charges in a four-day crackdown on high-risk domestic violence offenders, including a dramatic rescue of a woman from the Parramatta River. The statewide operation, codenamed Amarok XII, ran from Wednesday to Saturday and targeted what police described as “the state’s most dangerous domestic violence perpetrators.”

Domestic violence blitz targets high-risk offenders

Operation Amarok XII focused on offenders already known to police for serious domestic and family violence. Officers executed 275 arrest warrants and carried out more than 14,800 checks on bail and apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs).

Across the four days, 752 people were arrested and charged with 1,629 offences, underscoring the scale of domestic violence in NSW. Authorities also identified 395 breaches of ADVOs during the blitz.

Woman rescued from Parramatta River after alleged assault

One of the most serious incidents occurred at Wentworth Point in Sydney’s west. Police allege a 44-year-old woman, who cannot swim, fled an alleged domestic assault and ended up in the Parramatta River just after 12.30am on Wednesday.

Officers entered the water and brought her to shore, where paramedics treated her before she was taken to hospital in a stable condition. A 33-year-old man known to the woman was arrested at the scene and later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally choking a person with recklessness, and stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical harm.

DV blitz seizes firearms, weapons and drugs

The operation also uncovered significant quantities of illegal weapons and drugs. Police seized 87 firearms, 30 other weapons and various illicit substances, including methamphetamine and cannabis.

Officers conducted 120 firearms prohibition order searches to remove guns from people considered a high risk to partners or families. As a result, police say they disrupted numerous potentially deadly situations before they escalated.

Police and ministers vow “relentless” focus on offenders

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley praised Amarok XII as a strong message to offenders that they will be pursued. She noted that police respond to more than 150,000 domestic and family violence calls for help each year across the state.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said officers remain “unwavering” in their commitment to track and arrest high-risk perpetrators. However, he urged victim-survivors and witnesses to continue reporting abuse, stressing that domestic and family violence “has no place in our communities.”

Support services urge victims to seek help

Advocates say the latest figures highlight both the scale of offending and the importance of specialist support services. They argue that strong policing must be matched with housing, counselling and legal support so victim-survivors can safely rebuild their lives.

Meanwhile, police and frontline workers are again reminding the public that anyone in immediate danger should call emergency services and that national hotlines remain available for confidential advice.

Source: 7 News/Daily Telegraph

Image: Eastern beaches police area command ‘s Facebook