More than 50 domestic abuse related arrests so far this month

More than 50 people have been arrested by police so far this month on suspicion of domestic abuse related offences.

To highlight the true extent of male perpetrated violence, and in support of the 16 Days of Action campaign and the Constabulary's approach to tackling violence against women and girls, details of domestic abuse related arrests are being released throughout December.

Since the start of the month, 55 people have been arrested in Gloucestershire for domestic abuse related offences.

Fifty one of those arrested were men – of which 28 were detained in connection with a physical assault on a partner, former partner or family member.

One man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of punching his partner in the face, while a man in his 40s was taken into custody after punching his mother in the face.

In another incident, a man aged in his 30s was arrested for assaulting a woman as she held a child.

Fourteen men were arrested for harassing, stalking or sending malicious communications to their former partners while six of the total number of those arrested were suspected of making threats to harm or kill.

One man was arrested after his former partner disclosed he had sexually assaulted her, while three men were arrested for controlling behaviour.

Of the four women arrested, three were detained on suspicion of common assault while the fourth was arrested on suspicion of affray.

Chief Superintendent Kerry Paterson, force lead for tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) said: "The scale of male perpetrated violence both in our county and nationwide is far greater than probably most people realise.

"The fact that more than 50 people, the overwhelming majority of which were men, were arrested in Gloucestershire for domestic abuse related offences in just eight days is horrifying but sadly not surprising at all.

"To highlight the true extent of the problem and in support of the 16 Days of Action campaign and our approach to tackling VAWG, we are releasing details of the domestic abuse related arrests we make each week throughout December.

"The more we shine a light on the issue and talk about the problem we have in our society, the better chance we have of ending the VAWG epidemic.

"We are committed to targeting perpetrators and will make arrests when necessary but ultimately prevention is key which is why we are working with our partners to change attitudes and behaviour and protect victims from harm both now and in the future."

Professional support is available for anyone who has an abusive partner – contact Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01452 726 570 or email: [email protected]. More information is available on their website: https://www.gdass.org.uk/

To report a domestic abuse related incident call police on the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, or if the incident is ongoing, always call 999.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called 'Clare's Law' after the landmark case that led to it.

This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. For more information on this visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha2/request-information-under-clares-law/