More than 70 arrested in one month as Staffordshire Police crackdown on violence against women

Staffordshire Police have announced that more than 200 arrests have been made so far this year on suspicion of violence against women and girls. 

Staffordshire Police released the figures this week as they reflected on White Ribbon Day (held on November 25), a national campaign that looks to highlight violence against women and girls (VAWG).

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The force reported that in October, they arrested 70 suspects on suspicion of VAWG, and two men were convicted in separate investigations relating to rape, voyeurism, assault and intentional strangulation.

Another 117 people were also arrested on suspicion of VAWG in May of this year, with 26 of those arrested being charged.

Earlier in the same month, a man was jailed for more than 20 years after being convicted of sexual assault offences against 11 women and girls.

The forces of this year's international campaign were to never use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls, with men being encouraged to advocate for women and support the prevention of violence in all its forms.

Temporary detective chief superintendent Victoria Downing said: "Though we are keen to support White Ribbon Day and promote awareness of violence against women and girls on this day, officers work around the clock every single day to protect victims and build cases so that offenders are brought to justice.

"We do not do this alone, and we are grateful to our partners within the community, including support services, for helping us safeguard victims and bring suspects before the court.

“As a force priority, tackling VAWG is so important to us as we work to change behaviours and bring offending out into the light.

“That’s why we are wearing a white ribbon today and will continue to be working in our local police team areas to highlight the impact of this type of crime."

The force said that efforts are continuing to tackle VAWG across the force as part of a White Ribbon Day on Tuesday, November 25, which has seen their officers work with partners to attend local colleges, participating in workshops aimed at helping young men and women stand up against violence.