More than 90 arrests and 20 charges in recent enforcement to combat violence and abuse against women and girls

We have arrested more than 90 suspects and secured charges against more than 20 people in our most recent intensification efforts to tackle violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls (VAIWG).

Our officers have been working proactively to support victims in Staffordshire, protect the vulnerable and to act robustly against those responsible for these types of crimes in our communities.

We carried out a period of targeted enforcement over a seven-day period between 16 and 22 September, resulting in a number of positive outcomes for victims.

In this period, we arrested 91 suspects, charged 21 people with offences, carried out five follow-ups on closed domestic abuse cases and carried out a series of engagement activities in council hubs, schools, universities and town centres across Staffordshire. 

Panic alarms, purse bells and anti-spiking kits were also given out to those who engaged with officers at these events, alongside further signposting to partner agencies who can help further reduce the risk of harm. 

Five Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) were also issued, which provide protection to victims by enabling the police and magistrates’ courts to put in place protective measures in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident.

Inspector Karen Cooke said: “Positive results for victims of VAIWG in Staffordshire is something which we always welcome, but I want to be clear with our communities that work to target offenders and minimise the risk of harm is happening every single day in our county.

“We fully recognise how important our role is in safeguarding women and girls and raising awareness on what offences and behaviour contribute to these issues, but we can’t do it alone.

“We want to speak to people regularly, hold engagement events in key public areas and make sure that victims in Staffordshire know we’re here to support and protect them alongside partner agencies.

“Work in this space is a key priority for us and we’re determined to continue doing everything possible to support victims, change behaviours and to take robust action against those causing harm and suffering.”

Deputy Commissioner for Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Dave Evans said: “Reducing Violence Against Women and Girls will always be a priority for myself and the Commissioner.

“Unfortunately, too many women and girls experience verbal abuse, intimidation and sexual harassment in public spaces.

“The Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office has worked with partners to invest thousands of pounds from the Safer Streets and Safer Women at Night funds to improve the safety of women and girls in our communities.

“The funding has been used to install additional street lighting and CCTV, deliver targeted educational programmes and awareness campaigns in schools and to identify safe spaces for women to go to in the night-time economy, among other measures.”