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Northamptonshire Police is warning domestic abusers who commit offences to expect a knock on the door this Christmas and to be arrested. Their abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
A new domestic abuse campaign, launched today (Monday, 18 December), has been timed to coincide with an anticipated increase in domestic abuse incidents over the festive period.
It has a clear aim, to not only warn and target offenders but also encourage victims not to suffer in silence and to report domestic abuse. Victims should get help and speak out because this kind of abuse is never acceptable. Action will be taken.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Rogers, from the Force’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police. Officers will respond robustly to incidents, working round the clock to keep people safe. We have operational plans in place to arrest suspected offenders and pursue prosecution.
“Unfortunately, incidents of domestic abuse tend to increase over Christmas. Many abusive partners try to shift blame and minimise their abusive actions. Often using excuses for their behaviour, such as too much alcohol, financial pressures, family rows. But there is never an excuse for relationship abuse. Let’s be clear, it is a choice. If you make that choice and commit an offence, we will do everything in our power to protect the victim and bring you to justice.
“We want families to have a safe and peaceful Christmas. No-one should have the fear of abuse or violence hanging over them, which is why we are warning perpetrators to change their behaviour, or we will come after them.”
Domestic abuse can be physical or psychological and affects women, men, and children, from all walks of life. It has no place in our society and shouldn’t be tolerated. There is no justification for being violent, abusive, or controlling to your loved ones.
Officers are currently working through a ‘most wanted’ list of those responsible for high-harm domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, and will publically name and circulate photographs unless the individuals voluntarily come forward for questioning.
DCI Rogers explained: “We want to do everything in our power to protect victims. The tactic of publicising the most wanted offenders has worked very successfully in the past, with many handing themselves in at police stations across the county.
“Previously, some expressed discomfort about having their photos circulated via social media or in the local press, so I strongly urge those offenders who don’t want their name and photo circulated to voluntarily hand themselves in for questioning now, so their details can be removed from the list.”
There are a wide range of services across the county that can provide support and information and help victims end the abuse they are experiencing. Anyone suffering from domestic abuse should call their local police on the non-emergency 101 or, in an emergency, always call 999.
If you are not ready yet to report to the police, please contact Voice on 0300 303 1965, they can provide support, and are one of a number of statutory and voluntary agencies available to ensure anyone who suffers domestic abuse gets the help they need.
For information, help and advice go to: www.northants.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/