Police arrest 65 people in domestic abuse crackdown

Devon and Cornwall Police has arrested 65 people on suspicion of domestic abuse offences as part of a dedicated day of action.

The force carried out the operation on Tuesday, April 8, making targeted arrests across the region. A total of 21 arrests were made in Cornwall, 20 in Devon, 16 in South Devon and eight in Plymouth.

The initiative aimed to tackle domestic abuse, which the force defines as “an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.”

Acting Superintendent Tom Cunningham, who led the operation, said: “This was a successful day with the use of targeted intelligence to arrest those we suspect of being perpetrators of domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse is often a hidden and under reported crime with those victims often suffering in silence.

“Every arrest carried out is a positive intervention which we hope will see a home made safer and those perpetrating domestic abuse bought to justice. We are committed to taking action against all reports of domestic abuse and, where the evidence exists, will ensure offenders are charged to court.

“My hope is the large number of arrests will give confidence to victims to come forward and report matters to us or to a third party so action can be taken to safeguard a victim and their family.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said she welcomed the force’s commitment.

“I applaud the efforts of police for cracking down on despicable perpetrators of domestic abuse during the day of action, and I also commend the bravery of the victims who found the courage to report their behaviour to the police.

“I hope the arrests will give people the confidence to report incidents and help Devon & Cornwall Police to bring perpetrators to justice.

“Any form of abuse is unacceptable, especially in peoples’ homes where they have every right to feel safe. We must not stand by and allow a culture where violence and abuse can thrive, and we owe it to our society to unite against the perpetrators of violence.

“I am committed to exploring innovative, disruptive and radical solutions to stamp out these kind of behaviours, and ensure that victims and their families have access to the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”

Information on how to report domestic abuse is available here.

Additional resources and support can be found at www.domesticabusehelp.co.uk.