POLICE have arrested as many as 65 people during a targeted day of action against domestic abuse.

The operation on Tuesday, April 8, saw targeted arrests of those suspected of domestic abuse across Devon and Cornwall. There were 20 arrests in Devon, 16 in South Devon, eight in Plymouth, and 21 in Cornwall.

“We are committed to taking action against all reports of domestic abuse and, where the evidence exists, will ensure offenders are charged to court,” Acting Superintendent Tom Cunningham said.

“Domestic abuse is often a hidden and under-reported crime with those victims often suffering in silence.

“My hope is the large number of arrests will give confidence to victims to come forward and report matters to us or to a third party so action can be taken to safeguard a victim and their family”.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez added: “I applaud the efforts of police for cracking down on despicable perpetrators of domestic abuse during the day of action, and I also commend the bravery of the victims who found the courage to report their behaviour to the police.

“I hope the arrests will give people the confidence to report incidents and help Devon and Cornwall Police to bring perpetrators to justice.

“I am committed to exploring innovative, disruptive and radical solutions to stamp out these kind of behaviours, and ensure that victims and their families have access to the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”

Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.

For more information on how to report domestic abuse, visit: devon-cornwall.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse.