Over 100 charged in domestic abuse crackdown

MORE than 100 people have been charged as part of a Festive Season crackdown on domestic abuse by Police Scotland across the North east of Scotland, it was revealed today.

Police officers carried out the crackdown between December 24th and January 5th. Picture: Neil Hanna

The crackdown, which ran from 24 December to 5 January, was aimed at countering domestic abuse in the area through bail and curfew checks and the use of apprehension warrants.

A team of dedicated officers also carried out additional patrols in communities throughout the area as the force appealed to victims of domestic abuse to speak out and not suffer in silence.

A force spokeswoman said a total of 106 people had been charged as part of the offensive. In the force’s Aberdeen City Division, 51 people were reported in relation to domestic abuse offences, including assault and breach of the peace.

In the Aberdeenshire and Moray Division, 55 people were apprehended and charged in connection with a number of offences, including breach of bail and threatening and abusive behaviour.

Detective Inspector Darren Bruce, from the Aberdeen City Division, said: “This campaign has been a platform for Aberdeen City Division to continue targeting domestic abuse. We have a strong, sustained approach but running a campaign at this time of year means everyone takes notice.

“The results of this operation demonstrate our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and our commitment to keeping people safe. This means that at least 51 victims and their families were helped by us over the festive period, where instances of abuse can become more common.

“The public have played their part in this success and I am very grateful to those who have called us concerned for a friend or family member.”

He continued: “We continue to make every effort to gather evidence in all cases of domestic abuse, and caution and charge an offender in over 80 per cent of cases.

“In each and every reported incident, we also work with the victim to ensure their safety and would like to again encourage victims to come forward and to know that there are support systems in place for them.”

Detective Sergeant Kerry Rigg, of the Aberdeenshire and Moray Division, said: “We are committed to tackling the issue of domestic abuse in our communities and want victims of abuse to know that Police Scotland will continue to work to keep them safe.

“The positive results gained from this operation will have a significant impact on the lives of the victims, both directly and indirectly. We are aware of the difficulties victims face in coming forward but I would encourage them to find the strength to reach out and I assure them they will continue to be heard and supported.

“Support agencies work closely with us and we see on a daily basis the benefit that their abilities can give to the victims, their families and the wider community who is affected by this type of crime.”

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