Capital wide day of action
Dozens of police officers will be visiting several addresses throughout the borough today (23 January) as part of a capital wide day of action on domestic violence.
Officers will be arresting outstanding suspects who are currently wanted for domestic violence offences.
Hounslow’s operation comes after a joint domestic violence campaign was launched in December last year. It featured posters carrying the message that domestic violence can happen to anyone – including the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender communities.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Pearce of Hounslow police said: “No-one should suffer in silence. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. I urge anyone who is living in fear from their partner, whoever they are, to contact the police, the council or any of the agencies dedicated to wiping out this damaging crime."
Cllr Sue Sampson, cabinet member for performance, customer care and domestic violence, and whose sister was killed in a domestic violence incident, said: “Domestic violence is a stain on our community and country. Thankfully the issue is no longer a taboo subject and society is rapidly realising that it can affect anyone.”
Hounslow Council teamed up with OutWest, a charity representing the LGBT communities of west London, to raise awareness of the wider impacts.
Chair of the group, Chris Boucher, said: “We have seen some very traumatic cases of domestic violence affecting people in the LGBT communities, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. We urge people to speak out and look for help. We know it’s difficult for anyone but we need to wipe out domestic violence in our society no matter where it happens.”
Hounslow has a dedicated team of 21 officers investigating domestic violence. They have investigated 1,693 allegations of domestic violence since April 2013.
For more information go to www.hounslow.gov.uk/domestic_violence
January 23, 2014