14 domestic abuse arrests made in two days in Oxfordshire
Thames Valley Police say they want victims to know they are not alone
14 people have been arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences during two days of action in Oxfordshire.
Uniformed officers and detectives with Thames Valley Police joined forces on Thursday (29 May) and Friday (31 May) to detain and question people wanted for domestic violence or threats, controlling and coercive behaviour, breaching bail conditions, or economic, psychological or emotional abuse.
Chief Inspector Jamie Cuthbertson, of the Oxfordshire Local Command Unit, said: "These days of action demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders to account in Oxfordshire and across the Thames Valley.
“We want victims to know they are not alone, and we will do everything we can to support them and bring offenders to justice.”
Hiding in a cupboard
The operation started at 4am with officers on the night shift visiting addresses across Oxfordshire to arrest the named suspects, which continued throughout Thursday, with 17 attempts resulting in 14 arrests, including one Domestic violence Protection order (DVPO) breach – where the suspect was found hiding in a cupboard in the victim’s address.
Two suspects were charged and remanded, one to prison and the other bailed by the courts. Eleven were released on police bail with robust conditions, or given a DVPO.
T/Assistant Chief Constable Olly Wright said: "“Domestic abuse in all its forms is horrific, and it’s sadly so very common. Aside from the immediate harm that it causes victims – the vast majority of whom are women – its harmful impact ripples far wider, with entire families’ quality of life taken away. The adverse impact on children witnessing a parent being abused must never be under-estimated.
“For this reason, Thames Valley Police will always treat domestic abuse as a priority.
“I was really heartened by the determined team work I saw in Oxfordshire, with hard working police officers and staff working so well together to fight crime and serve victims.
“I would encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to please report it to police. If you are worried about someone else who you think is being abused, please, please report it. Abuse often continues behind closed doors for years, and we need to take every opportunity to break the cycle.”