Results of 16 days of action

16 days of action is a national campaign, focusing on domestic abuse and violence against women, which ran from 25 November to 10 December.

A key part of our activity was seeking out suspects, using wanted appeals, and using Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Notices to protect victims.

During the 16 day period:

• We made 92 arrests for domestic abuse related offences, which is 13 more than in the same period last year.
• 29 people received a Domestic Violence Protection Notice / Order (DVPO/N), which is 23 more than last year.
• We made 3 arrests for breaches of DVPN/O’s, compared with one breach arrest last year.

Detective Chief Inspector Reid Martin, of the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit said, “Tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is a top priority for us and at the heart of what we do.

“Our aim during these 16 days was to target offenders, build trust and encourage victims to seek help and support.”

“Our work is not just about these 16 days of action. We want to maintain the focus on domestic abuse, day in, day out and we will continue to seek out those that present a threat, and use orders and notices where we can so that victims are protected from potential harm.”

This year, the 16 day period fell within the World Cup tournament, so we also joined Crimestoppers in a campaign to highlight increased reporting of domestic abuse following an England game, to encourage survivors to come to us, and to signpost to support.

For the 16 day campaign period, we highlighted key messages in relation to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls and we outlined where people can access support and advice within Lincolnshire.

We will continue to promote our vital messages which include:

• Explaining the signs of abuse, coercion and control.
• Raising awareness of stalking and harassment and what to do if you are experiencing this invasive and terrifying crime.
• Promoting “safe spaces” for those enduring domestic abuse, available in participating pharmacies where you will be offered a phone line and support in a secure environment. Just "ask for ANI"
• Addressing perpetrators of domestic violence and urging them to seek help to change their behaviour.
• Promoting the “silent solution” if you call 999 but speaking would put you in danger.
• Promoting “Hollie Guard”, a safety app for your mobile phone.
• Promoting “StreetSafe” a simple means for anyone to report public places in Lincolnshire where they have felt unsafe.

Where to get help

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999. If it is not safe to speak we use 'silent solutions'. Press 5 5 when prompted and this will tell us that you need us.

If you don't want to call us you can access help from specialist domestic abuse services:

• End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) Lincolnshire available on 01522 510041. Lincolnshire's Domestic Abuse Support Service now have an online chat function on their website. It is available between Monday and Friday 10am to 12pm. The Chat function allows someone to chat with a support worker at EDAN Lincs virtually, which can often be easier for some people to make that first step.
• The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  The Safe Lives portal provides advice for victims and professionals.
  If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, Childline is available on 0800 1111.
• Safe spaces are available in UK pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies. Go to the healthcare counter and ask to use the safe space where you can access support.

If you are worried about your own behaviour

There is no excuse for abuse. If you are abusive, get help.

Call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or use webchat on the Respect website.