Ninety-five arrests have been made as we intensify efforts to tackle violence and intimidation again

Against women’s and girls

In support of our ‘Don’t choose to abuse campaign’ and as part of our commitment to tackle violence, abuse and intimidation of women and girls (VAIWG) we arrested 95 individuals during a two week intensification period.

The co-ordinated activity, which took place between 5 – 20 March, resulted in 19 of those arrested being charged, with others released on bail or under investigation as enquiries continue.

Over 80 victims of domestic abuse were contacted by specialist officers, who work with partner agencies, to offer advice and support in order to safeguard them and put plans in place to reduce the risk of harm.

In addition, officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) visited 20 schools, colleges and university campuses across the county to share personal and online safety advice.

They also held engagement events at a number of local supermarkets, hotels, licenced premises and entertainment venues under Operation Makesafe, which saw local officers train employees to identify any vulnerable person who may be at risk of child exploitation at their premises.

Child exploitation involves perpetrators grooming their victims in various ways, such as in person, via mobile phones and online, to gain their trust before emotionally and sexually, abusing them.

Three Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) were issued, which provide protection to victims by enabling the police and magistrates’ courts to put in place protective measures in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident.

Chief Inspector Karen Cooke, who co-ordinated the activity, said: “We are pleased to see such positive results from our intensification period, especially as it was in addition to the daily demand of incoming incidents.

“Alongside our partners in the Violence Reduction Alliance of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, we are continuing to tackle violence against women and girls and have introduced these local initiatives which will continue into the summer months.

“We are working to make perpetrators aware that their behaviour is not acceptable and that society will condemn their actions by increasing awareness of our ‘Don’t choose to abuse’ campaign. We hope to reach a range of different communities with the support of partner agencies such as the Partnerships Against Business Crime in Staffordshire (PABCIS) and contacts across the night-time economy.

“We want to reiterate that violence, abuse, and intimidation against women and girls in any form, and anywhere, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We will hold perpetrators of VAIWG accountable for their behaviour, as we are really striving to ensure women and girls feel safe and are confident in reporting to the police.”

For more information about our campaign please visit: Don’t choose to abuse | Staffordshire Police