Police will carry out a targeted crack-down on domestic abuse across Aberdeenshire and Moray today.
Working together with support services such as Women’s Aid and Victim Support, teams of officers will spend the day tracking down abusers, as well as carrying out checks at a number of homes to make sure former victims are safe.
A 29-strong police team will target homes across Garioch, Marr and Kincardine, Formartine, Moray, Banff and Buchan.
Detective Inspector Fiona Topping said: “Our aim is to give a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.
“We will target perpetrators and those who have previously offended, as well as raise awareness again of the issue and encourage anyone who hasn’t come forward to do so to report crimes.
“We’re going to be targeting perpetrators for our outstanding inquiries, executing warrants and carrying out bail checks to ensure perpetrators who have been released from court are complying with the terms of their bail.
“We will also be carrying out checks on victims to make sure that they safe, and there have been no further incidents.”
DI Topping said today’s operation was also intended to highlight the importance of victims speaking out against their abusers.
She said: “Reporting domestic abuse is a big step for a victim to take and it may be put off for some time before a victim has the courage to take a stand.
“Phoning the police is not the only way. We have an online domestic abuse reporting form on the Police Scotland website which can be completed and submitted online, or it can be printed off and sent to us. If a victim does not want an officer to go to their house then alternative meeting arrangements can be made.
“If you are involved in an abusive relationship, or if you are a friend, neighbour or family member who believes someone is being abused, please speak out. We will listen and we will do something about it.”
To report domestic abuse call Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.