Library image: Canterbury Crown Court
Between 25 November and 10 December 2024 police from across the force worked together to arrest and charge those most intent on causing harm with more than 124 people arrested and 68 charged during 16 days of action targeting domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.
These included –
- A man aged 40 from Dymchurch who was charged with assault, controlling and coercive behaviour and possession of a class B drug. He was remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 6 January 2025.
- A 35 year old man from Upstreet, Canterbury was charged with assault, criminal damage, dangerous driving and controlling or coercive behaviour. He was remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 6 January 2025.
- A man aged 25, from Ashford was charged with rape, false imprisonment and assault. He was remanded in custody to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on 13 January 2025.
Officers also worked with volunteers from charities including Rising Sun and Oasis Domestic Abuse Service who visited police stations across the county offering advice and information to victims.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lopa McDermott said:
‘Tackling violence against women and girls and domestic abuse is a priority for the force.
‘We actively target those perpetrators who cause harm, as well as providing support to victims all year round.
‘The 16 days of action gave us an opportunity to raise awareness of gender-based violence and protect those who are most at risk.
‘There is never an excuse domestic abuse and gender-based violence, no matter what the circumstances are.’
Further information about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) can be found on the Police’s advice and information pages. If you have been a victim of violence and wish to report it, please use the online reporting service. Always call 999 in an emergency.