GMP maintain strong stance against violence targeting women and girls as festive celebrations approach

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is dedicated to promoting a safe and joyful festive season for the public across Greater Manchester, ensuring that everyone can celebrate without fear.

In our ongoing commitment, GMP is actively collaborating with teams across the force, local communities, and partners to address the challenges people may face during this time, such as harassment, spiking, domestic abuse, and sexual assault.

Across the force, officers will remain visible whilst out on patrol and some officers will be covertly present in near bars and clubbing hotspots across Greater Manchester, offering continuous support to those facing difficulties. If you need assistance or have concerns about criminal activity in your area, our uniformed officers are available for support and to offer advice.

Over recent months, GMP officers, in collaboration with the Crime Prevention Team, have distributed spiking and personal safety kits in the night-time economy. This initiative will continue across the force over the coming weeks, with officers distributing kits that include spiking prevention covers, foil lids, informational leaflets, and personal attack alarms.

Recognising the challenges of identifying spiking incidents, GMP encourage immediate reporting to our reporting channels if you suspect you or someone you know has been affected. Officers are here to provide support and ensure appropriate action against perpetrators.

In instances of catcalling, harassment, sexual assault, or sexual violence, it is strongly encouraged for individuals to come forward and report to GMP as soon as possible. This enables us to offer support, swiftly apprehend offenders, and prioritise public safety.

Also, the force understands the added complexities when families come together. GMP acknowledge that financial pressures and personal circumstances can escalate to emotional or physical abuse, all of which constitute domestic abuse and should be reported in order for victims to receive the correct support and to ensure perpetrators are dealt with proportionately.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, whether physical or emotional, GMP is ready to support you. Our officers can assist by referring you to independent support services and providing assistance through dedicated officers throughout investigations.

Our priority is to safeguard victims/survivors and their loved ones, ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

 

Detective Chief Superintendent, Neil Jones and Head of Public Protection said: “Greater Manchester Police recognises the challenges that can arise during the festive season, and we understand the difficulties individuals may face, meaning it isn’t always the best time of year for all. I want to assure our communities that our officers are working tirelessly to ensure victims are safeguarded, providing committed and thorough support whenever and wherever it may be needed across Greater Manchester. We want everyone to enjoy this time of year and feel safe in doing so. Our commitment extends beyond visible presence in busy hotspots with bars and clubs; our officers are dedicated to addressing all complexities of this time of year. Whether it's in the city centre, a residential neighbourhood, or any corner of Greater Manchester, our officers are there for you.

 

Report & Support

To report any crime or information to GMP you can report by calling 101 or by using our LiveChat function on our website: www.gmp.police.uk

You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

For further information and advice on spiking, harassment, sexual assault or any other crime, please visit our support pages.