Operation Baltic: Domestic Abuse awareness

Thanks to the success of Operation Baltic over the December period Dyfed-Powys Police is continuing with this enhanced response to Domestic Abuse.

Op Baltic is designed to help ensure vulnerable members of our community stay safe – the initiative has improved police response and subsequent investigations of all reports of Domestic Abuse.

Domestic abuse is any violence between partners or former partners in an intimate relationship. The violence can include physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, threats and damage. From the outset it is important that victims are encouraged to report offences so police and partner agencies can support those who need it and bring criminals to justice.

Domestic abuse is a serious and widespread problem, although it is often hidden in the family. People are abused from every race, class, religion and culture; regardless of age, sexuality, disability or gender. One in four women and one in six men will be affected at some time in their lives by domestic abuse.

Men as well as women can be the victims, and it also affects same-sex relationships. Everyone has the right to live free from fear, intimidation and abuse, especially within their own home. And it is this approach coupled with our support for victims – and early intervention, which Op Baltic promotes.

Officers working on Operation Baltic will also be kept up to date by intelligence briefings about victims who may be particularly vulnerable, and about specific offenders who may pose a higher risk.

During the initiative teams of both CID and uniformed officers will work closely on dedicated shifts to attend incidents of domestic abuse, providing reassurance and gathering evidence.

This proven approach will enable Dyfed-Powys Police to protect victims and children to make sure they are not at continuing risk.

Detective Superintendent Shane Williams says: “Our main concern is to protect victims and any children to make sure they are not at continuing risk. “We have dedicated Domestic Abuse Officers who are there to provide support and information to male and female victims and their children. We will investigate all offences in order to bring perpetrators to justice and ultimately safeguard the victim and their children.”

Det Supt Shane Williams adds: “As an organisation and together with our Partner Agencies we want to give victims the courage and confidence to come forward and report such incidents so we can jointly deal with the risks, support the victim and bring persons to justice. Our specialist officers can arrange a number of measures in order to secure the safety of the victim and children.”

How to Contact

Domestic Abuse Officers can be contacted by phoning our non-emergency number 101. They are able to give assistance by telephone, letter and by way of personal visit to your home or a mutually agreed location. Alternatively visit: www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/advice-and-support/look-after-yourself/dome. For additional support services please call 0808 8010800 or visit www.allwaleshelpline.org.uk