Over 400 domestic abuse suspects arrested
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We’ve arrested more than 400 domestic abuse suspects in the last week as we seek to protect victims and pursue perpetrators around the West Midlands.
Our teams have been acting on intelligence, and responding to live information, so we can take action against unacceptable abuse.
It has led to us making over 400 arrests over the last week and a number of suspects have since been charged for offences including assault, wounding, coercive control and stalking.
We know people may be feeling more anxious, and worried, about being subjected to unacceptable physical or psychological abuse during the World Cup.
While football games do not cause domestic abuse, factors such as increased alcohol consumption and heightened emotions during matches can increase the risk.
As part of targeted activity, our specialist Public Protection Unit have been working with the Operational Support Unit and local policing areas to detain suspects.
Detective Inspector Charlie Sparks, from our Public Protection Unit, said: “There can never be any excuse for abuse and, as this activity shows, we will always look to act on any information or reports we receive.
“Domestic abuse is an awful, devastating, crime which can have both a physical and psychological impact on those who’ve suffered from it.
“It’s fine to be happy, frustrated or disappointed following a football match. But what’s not fine is for you to take your feelings out on your loved ones.”
The focused activity aims to build on the work our teams, including specialist officers, do day in, day out, to identify offenders and safeguard victims.
We have made major improvements specifically to how we support people suffering domestic abuse. This includes significant enhancements to how we handle incoming calls for service, and we now have independent domestic abuse specialists from local charities working across our 999 control rooms.
Remember, if you have experienced abuse of any kind then you don’t have to deal with it alone, and it’s never your fault. Call 999 if you are in danger, if threats have been made against you or if a crime is in progress.
If you need the police but are unable to talk due to your situation, you can dial 999 then press 55 instead of asking for the police: www.westmidlands.police.uk/contact/how-to-make-a-silent-999-call.
There are many support services, as well as the police, that can help you. Take a look at the ones in your local area: http://nefaproduction.wpengine.com/support/locations/
If you’re concerned about your behaviour or the behaviour of a loved one, contact the Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040 or head to their website.