Yahoo News 91 arrests in Staffordshire over 'violence against girls and women'
Police made 91 arrests as part of a week-long operation targeting those who subject women and girls to violence, abuse and intimidation. The county-wide initiative led to 21 suspects being charged with a range of offences and officers also carried out five follow-up meetings on ‘closed domestic abuse cases.’
Five Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) were also 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. Specialist officers also spoke to women and girls in council hubs, schools, universities and city and town centres.
And panic alarms, purse bells and anti-spiking kits were given out to those who engaged with officers at these events, alongside further signposting to partner agencies. Inspector Karen Cooke said: “Positive results for victims of violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls in Staffordshire is something which we always welcome, but I want to be clear with our communities that work to target offenders and minimise the risk of harm is happening every single day in our county.
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“We fully recognise how important our role is in safeguarding women and girls and raising awareness on what offences and behaviour contribute to these issues, but we can’t do it alone. We want to speak to people regularly, hold engagement events in key public areas and make sure that victims in Staffordshire know we’re here to support and protect them alongside partner agencies.
“We’re determined to continue doing everything possible to support victims, change behaviours and to take robust action against those causing harm and suffering.”
Deputy Commissioner for Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Dave Evans, said: “Unfortunately, too many women and girls experience verbal abuse, intimidation and sexual harassment in public spaces. The Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office has worked with partners to invest thousands of pounds from the Safer Streets and Safer Women at Night funds to improve the safety of women and girls in our communities.
“The funding has been used to install additional street lighting and CCTV, deliver targeted educational programmes and awareness campaigns in schools and to identify safe spaces for women in the night-time economy.”
