Op Cassia: 17 arrested on suspicion of domestic offences across Merseyside

We have arrested 17 people across Merseyside as part of a crackdown on domestic abuse today (Thursday 27 November).

Teams of local officers, led by Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People strand, travelled across Merseyside as part of Operation Cassia, a police operation to arrest people we suspect are responsible for both recent and non-recent cases of domestic abuse.

A total of 17 suspects – 12 men and five women - were arrested in Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley on suspicion of offences including stalking, threats to kill, harassment, assault and sexual assault.

Two have been bailed and the remaining 15 remaining in custody.

Detective Inspector Keith Swift, Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “Today’s day of action was one of many we have carried out to support the work that our officers and partners carry out every day to bring perpetrators of domestic abuse to justice and ensure victim-survivors receive the support they need.

"Today's activity was in support of the force's response to 16 Days of Action for Violence Against Women and Girls, which is marked across the world from 25 November to 10 December.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of those who cause untold harm and are committed to bringing them to justice.

“Merseyside Police simply will not allow perpetrators to believe that they can commit crime after crime against their victim thinking that every time they do, they are less likely to get caught.

“Domestic abuse comes in many forms. As well as physical harm, it can include emotional or sexual abuse, control of finances or other controlling behaviour and it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender and social status.  I

“I’d urge anyone who may be a victim or know someone who is a victim to please reach out for help. We take reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously, and we are here to listen and support you and bring perpetrators to justice.”

Merseyside Police, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell recently launched a major campaign using the experiences of victim-survivors to raise awareness of the red flags of domestic abuse, specifically coercive and controlling behaviour, as part of an ongoing commitment to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls.

For more information, please visit: www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg