FURTHER ACTION IN the police crackdown on violence throughout the North East saw further arrests in Elgin on Friday.
Police teams targeted domestic abuse offenders throughout the region with around 30 officers taking part in the operation to ensure the safety of victims – and to trace and deal with outstanding offenders.
Outreach domestic abuse specialist social workers and advocacy staff worked alongside the police officers in the operation that resulted in valuable evidence being gathered that resulted in three men aged 20, 26 and 41 from the Elgin area being arrested.
Sergeant Tricia MacLean of the Partnership Coordination Unit said: “The focus of this operation was both on victims and perpetrators, providing victims with support and targeting offenders who carry out domestic abuse.
“With the assistance of our partners it is hoped that early intervention with immediate help and support will encourage victims of domestic abuse to speak out and report offending behaviour.”
Inspector Neil Campbell of the Partnership Coordination Unit added: “Domestic abuse is and will continue to be a focus for Police Scotland. Domestic abuse comes in many forms and guises, none of which will be tolerated.
“Our message is clear – we will continue to target perpetrators, and those who have previously offended. We will also raise awareness of the issue and encourage anyone who hasn’t come forward to do so and report crimes and receive the necessary support.”
Domestic abuse covers a wide spectrum of behaviour including emotional, mental and controlling behaviour as well as the physical abuse which can lead to victims becoming isolated and withdrawn. It also impacts on children who witness repeated abuse within the family home and may also be victims of abuse.
Domestic abuse is taken very seriously and if you are a victim of Domestic Abuse or if you are a family member, friend, neighbour or work colleague of someone who you suspect is being abused, please speak out and report your concerns to Police Scotland.
Inspector Neil Campbell added: “The ‘Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland’ gives individuals or any suitably concerned person a formal mechanism to make enquiries about their partner or the partner of someone they care about, if they have concerns they have been abusive in the past.
“A simple form on the Police Scotland Website under ‘Right to Ask’ is filled in, officers then follow a process, involving partner agencies and if appropriate, they will provide information to the most appropriate person and arrange support should anything of concern come to light.”
Anybody who has any concerns about, or wishes to report, Domestic Abuse is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.
Victims of Domestic Abuse can also contact The Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline which is available 24/7 on 0800 027 1234, providing support by means of a compassionate, non-judgemental telephone service.
Moray Life 2017 – thank you for supporting insideMoray’s bid to continue providing its Community News service in 2017 – we reached our main target, but we have our limited edition of 300 calendars featuring stunning Moray images from our readers. Around one third of these are already claimed through £10 pledges – claim yours now. visit our Crowdfunding Page for details.