Nearly 50 more arrests in county for domestic abuse related offences

In the past week a further 48 people have been arrested in the county in connection with domestic abuse related offences.

Nearly half of those arrested were detained in connection with a physical assault on a partner, former partner or family member.

More than 90 percent of those arrested in the past week (Monday 16 to Sunday 22 December) were men.

Eleven of them were for harassment offences which included stalking behaviours such as repeatedly calling their ex-partners and turning up at their address unwanted and unannounced, causing fear.

Two other men were arrested for breaching orders which prevented them from contacting victims, and several others were arrested for controlling behaviour, making threats to kill and image based sexual abuse.

Every week throughout December the Force is releasing details of the domestic abuse related arrests their officers have made in support of their ongoing approach to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls. The total arrests so far this month is 161.

Of the four women arrested in the past week, three were for physical assaults and another was for a report of financial abuse within a relationship.

Domestic abuse describes a range of behaviours including physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour as well as digital, economic, psychological and emotional abuse.

Detective Superintendent Ian Fletcher said: "Although these figures will be alarming to some people, we know that it's an underreported crime and this won't be the true picture of domestic abuse within Gloucestershire.

"On average victims experience 50 incidents of abuse before reporting or getting help. People often feel trapped, and we want them to know that help is available - we are focused on targeting and arresting perpetrators, and putting protective measures in place to safeguard victims."

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.

If you are in a position where you need help but cannot physically speak as there is a risk to your safety, you can still get through to the police.

Dial 999 and if you cannot speak to the operator, type 55 on your keypad. Your silent call will be transferred to police and the call handler will be informed that you need help.

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/