117 arrested and 26 charged as Staffordshire Police continue crackdown into violence against women

Staffordshire Police have been hard at work focusing on safeguarding women and girls who have been affected by Violence, Abuse or Intimidation Against Women and Girls (VAIWG).

The update comes as the force announces that 117 people have so far been arrested on suspicion of crimes against women, with 26 being charged with related offences in a week-long period. 

Officers have also attended a number of engagement events across the Staffordshire region to give out panic alarms, purse bells and anti-spiking kits, and offer information surrounding violence and abuse against women and girls. 

As well as the 26 people charged, eight people have been issued Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs), which allow the force and the courts to put protective measures in place after domestic violence incidents. 

Inspector Karen Cooke, who coordinates the weeks of action against VAIWG, said: "Proactive work is happening across Staffordshire every single day alongside our partners to minimise harm and to act against those responsible for violence, abuse and intimidation of women and girls.

"We’re doing everything we can to achieve positive results in this space, but we fully recognise how important it is to keep championing changes in society to help protect women and girls. 

"This includes challenging behaviour and spreading awareness of the signs that someone could be committing offences, sometimes without actually realising it themselves."

The campaign comes following a significant sentencing last week where a man was jailed for more than 20 years after committing offences against 11 women and girls. 

Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Dave Evans said: "It’s upsetting to hear that women and girls are experiencing verbal abuse, intimidation, and sexual harassment in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. 

"While there isn’t a quick solution, partners are working incredibly hard to protect those most vulnerable in our communities. 

"The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) has developed a local Violence Reduction Strategy which includes a range of projects developed to help prevent and reduce violence, including public space VAWG.

"The Commissioner has provided funding to Staffordshire Police and Community Safety Partnerships in the past to purchase practical safety measures, like anti-spiking kits and purse bells. However, it’s equally important that behaviour is challenged wherever possible."