Tayside Police have sent their strongest warning yet to perpetrators of domestic abuse at the launch of a major campaign to tackle the problem.
Those who emotionally or physically abuse partners will be dealt with ”decisively” said the force at the start of Operation Linchpin 4, this year’s initiative to tackle the historical winter rise in the crime.
Tayside Police have teamed up with local charities and support services to help those who are targeted by abuse in the home, as well as tracking down those commit the offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Milne said: ”I want to send out a clear message from Tayside Police that domestic abuse is not acceptable in whatever form it takes be it physical or emotional.
”Those who mete out this dreadful behaviour on those closest to them should be in no doubts as to the vigorous manner in which Tayside Police will deal with them.
”We will act decisively. You will be arrested and treated as the violent criminal you are.”
He added: “There are a small but nonetheless significant number of people who wrongly believe that violence, including domestic abuse, is normal acceptable even.
”The desire to dominate or control a partner is rarely a one-off event, with research continuing to show that individuals are frequently subjected to numerous incidents before seeking help and support, initially from the police and then from other support networks.”
Operation Linchpin 4 officially begins today and will run throughout the festive period until January 27. During that time domestic abuse officers and public protection detective inspectors will have the direct assistance of the Tayside Police Community Task Force.
These will be further supported by the Violence Against Women Partnership (in Dundee, Angus, and Perth and Kinross), Barnardo’s, the White Ribbon Scotland Campaign and the Community Justice Authority.
DCI Milne continued: ”I also wish to make it clear to the victims of such behaviour that there is a route out of this cycle of abuse. Help is available, as no one should ever be subjected to bullying, harassment or even physical assault at the hands of another, let alone someone they know, trust and may have once loved, in the confines of their own home.”
Tayside Police have urged anybody who feels as though they are a victim of domestic abuse to contact them immediately, adding that their case would be ”thoroughly and sensitively investigated.”
As well as the police, victims of domestic abuse, female and male, can also contact the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234 to access support or for referrals to local support providers.
For the perpetrators of domestic abuse, there is also the confidential service offered by the Respect Helpline 0808 802 4040.