Salford district come together in targeted day of action against domestic abuse

Teams from across Salford alongside partner agencies, showed some of the district’s domestic abuse perpetrators to the cells yesterday (Thursday 14 March 2024), in a targeted day of action aimed at disrupting and apprehending suspected offenders, safeguarding vulnerable victims, and raising awareness of support and report mechanisms for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is a forcewide concern and can impact anyone. It’s not always physical; it can involve emotional and psychological abuse, coercion, and verbal abuse. In some cases, perpetrators may also resort to sexually abusing their victims.

Whilst action against perpetrators and support for victims is something that happens every single day in Salford and across the force area, days of action such as this bring more resources together to tackle the issue, and aim to send a clear message to those committing offences that they can’t hide from the consequences of their actions.

Detective Inspector Dave Ogden of GMP’s Salford district, coordinating the day’s activities, said, “Yesterday’s operation was hugely successful, with 18 arrests made for domestic abuse related offences by our teams.

“Most importantly, we were able to speak with and safeguard 15 victims, including some who had previously been too scared or unwilling to engage with services. This has been done in partnership with local service, Safe in Salford, as well as through conducting welfare checks and Clare’s Law disclosures.

“A number of DVPO [domestic violence protection order] checks were also completed by the team, which look to ensure offenders are not causing further harm to their victim, or to anyone else.

“The aim of us doing days of action like this is not only to significantly disrupt offenders, but to also send a clear message to those who may be experiencing domestic abuse, whether they’ve reported this to us or other services already, or are deciding whether they should come forward, that we take this issue incredibly seriously.

“We have run intensification days of this nature in the past, and this one won’t be our last, but it’s important victims know that we do not wait for ‘special’ days to take action against perpetrators, it’s part of our daily business.

“Although we recognise domestic abuse does predominantly impact women, it can affect anyone, no matter what gender, race, sexuality, or age you are.

“Alongside our partners, we are continually trying to raise awareness of this in our communities so that victims or witnesses know about the issue, can recognise the signs, and have access to support, whether that be through reporting via the police, or seeking independent guidance and help.

“I hope that the results of yesterday’s action do provide reassurance to victims and encourage them to come forward. We are here to listen to you, support you and help you build a life free from abuse. Domestic abuse, like all other forms, is never the victim’s fault.”

Report and support

You can find information on what domestic abuse is, how to report it and what support is available to you here: Advice about domestic abuse | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk). You can also request a Clare’s Law disclosure here.

To report domestic abuse, always call 999 in an emergency or if an episode is ongoing. Otherwise, call our non-emergency number, 101, or report online.

Safe in Salford
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Salford specific service providing IDVA crisis support, advice and behaviour change programmes for perpetrators.

Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline 
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community.

End the Fear 
Includes information on local help all over Greater Manchester.