FOUR people from Halton have been arrested in the first day of a 72-hour domestic abuse crackdown.
The initiative, launched by Cheshire Police yesterday, Tuesday, is aimed at targeting and arresting domestic abuse perpetrators across the county.
Since the launch of Operation Guardians, the force says it has arrested 30 people on suspicion of domestic abuse offences.
Among them is a 31-year-old man from Widnes, who was arrested on suspicion of stalking and engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, and another 31-year-old man from Widnes, who was arrested on suspicion of a breach of a non-molestation order.
Meanwhile, two Runcorn men, aged 37 and 39, have been arrested on suspicion of assault.
All have been released on conditional bail.
Operation Guardians also bolsters the support available to victims and families affected by domestic abuse.
This force-wide operation will see the constabulary continuing with business as usual, with a focus on arresting wanted domestic abuse perpetrators.
T/Assistant Chief Constable Una Jennings said: “The message is simple – if you are a domestic abuse offender, we will be using the full force of the law against you.
“During this operation, we will be using all the resources available to us to reinforce the excellent work we do on a daily basis to keep Cheshire safe, but also be strengthening the support to those affected by domestic abuse.
“This is a crime that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race, and we know that by targeting offenders and potentially helping them realise how their behaviour is wrong, we can combat this issue.
“Domestic abuse has no place in any home in Cheshire, and we will do all we can to protect our communities.”
Domestic abuse is not just physical violence – if you are threatened, made to dress or look a certain way, have no say over your day-to-day activity or are constantly criticised, it is still abuse.
T/ACC Jennings added: “Residents may see extra patrols out and about across the county, and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to their local officers.
“Domestic abuse is not normal, and it is not ok. It is not a matter of course in any relationship. We also understand that every case is different and must be treated as such.
“If you are in an abusive relationship, or suffering at the hands of family or carers, it is not your fault and you do not have to stand for it.
“I would urge anyone who is affected by domestic abuse to seek support and report any concerns to us to help and bring offenders to justice.”
Anyone with any concerns regarding domestic abuse can call 101 or report online via cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/
Not all victims of domestic abuse want to speak to police, and advice can also be sought from Open the Door via openthedoorcheshire.org.uk
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