Positive outcomes for violence against women and girls’ offences made in November

We are continuing our work to prevent violence against women and girls, support victims and pursue perpetrators.

The term ‘violence against women and girls’ refers to acts of violence or abuse that we know disproportionately affect women and girls.

Offences include rape and other sexual offences, stalking, domestic abuse, ‘honour-based’ abuse (including female genital mutilation, forced marriage and ‘honour’ killings), ‘revenge porn’ and ‘upskirting’, as well as many others.

Throughout November, a total of 144 positive outcomes were made against those suspected to have committed offences in North Wales.

A positive outcome means action taken by police once an incident has been reported to us and someone has been arrested. This could include several outcomes, for example a charge, a caution, or a programme that works to tackle the underlying causes of offending (checkpoint).

Of the 144 outcomes last month, a total of 106 resulted in a charge.

In addition, four cautions, eight entered the checkpoint programme and 26 community resolutions were issued, which is where the offender accepts responsibility or makes some form of reparation.

Of all the positive outcomes, over 52% (75 offences) were domestic related.

Nearly 38% were of incidents of violence which resulted in physical injury, while just over 27% related to offences of stalking and harassment.

VAWG Tactical Delivery Manager, Inspector Claire McGrady, said: “Historically, incidents of domestic abuse sadly tend to increase over the Christmas period.

“Abusive partners often try to shift the blame of inexcusable behaviour, for example using reasons of too much alcohol, financial pressures or family disagreements. But there is never an excuse for domestic abuse.

“Families should have a safe and peaceful Christmas, without fearing abuse or violence. We warn offenders to change their behaviour, or we will do everything in our power to protect the victim and bring them to justice.

“Officers continue to work 24/7 over the Christmas period and will respond to any report of domestic abuse or violence, so please do report any incidents to police or support agencies in the confidence that we will believe you and support you.”  

While we use the term ‘violence against women and girls’ throughout this report, this refers to all victims of any of these offences.