A crackdown on abuse sees 714 arrested
ATOTAL of 714 people have been arrested during a month-long crackdown on domestic abuse.
Officers have been focusing on domestic abuse offenders over the past four weeks as part of campaign Operation Scratch.
GMP have also been raising awareness of domestic abuse, arresting wanted criminals and encouraging people to recognise the signs in their own or someone else’s relationship.
The operation comes eight months after a change in the law made coercive or controlling behaviour in relationships illegal.
Since then officers have investigated 55 reports under the new legislation.
Det Chief Superintendent Paul Rumney said: “This month shows our continued commitment to tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims through these horrendous crimes.
“We work hard all year round to fight this blight on society but months like this really help us refocus on what is important and work together to bring offenders to justice.
“It was also really important that we shared key information with our officers and staff to ensure they are in the best possible position when supporting victims.
“We have arrested around double the amount of offenders this month than we do in an average month, sending a clear message – domestic abuse will absolutely not be tolerated here in Greater Manchester and we will do everything that we can to ensure victims are kept safe.”
As well as going after wanted domestic abuse offenders, officers went out into communities to raise awareness of the crime.
Members of the public were handed out SCRATCH cards, which instead of revealing a cash prize, uncovered a layer of controlling behaviour.
Specially trained officers spent the month sharing their knowledge with other members of staff across GMP and held training sessions for front line officers who deal with incidents first hand.
For more information visit gmp.police.uk/ domesticabuse.
To contact your local domestic abuse unit call the GMP switchboard on 101. In an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life or property always call 999.