Tuesday 20th September saw Cleveland Police launch a week of action to target Violence Against Women and Girls. The week showcased the robust action taken by Cleveland Police officers every day to tackle issues such as domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, stalking and harassment, management of sex offenders and ensuring that women can feel safe on nights out.

Many of these issues can also affect men, and the support offered is available to all. However, the purpose of the week was to tackle violence and misogyny that disproportionately affects women and girls, and to call out abusive behaviours that can embarrass, demean, frighten or distress women and girls.

The message to all was that the Force won’t stand for any form of violence or misogyny and takes a robust approach to clamping down on such abuse, and also on breaking the culture in which it grows.

Women and girls were encouraged to come forward and report abuse and reassured that they will be supported in a safe environment where they will be listened to, believed and their reports will be investigated.

Several victims came forward as a direct result of the campaign after seeing the positive action showcased by the Force. It is hoped that the focus on these issues will encourage other victims to find the strength and confidence to come forward and report abuse.

Detective Superintendent Helen Barker said: “The week of action has seen some fantastic results, but what is most rewarding is knowing that victims feel more confident reporting abuse to Police so that we can listen, support and bring perpetrators to justice. Let’s continue to work together to call out violence and abusive behaviour and say ‘Enough’!”
Round up of the Week
Tuesday – Adult Sexual Exploitation

Tuesday morning’s focus on adult sexual exploitation began with an early morning wake-up call for men wanted for crimes of sexual violence against women. Three of the five targets for the day were arrested that morning, with a fourth arrested later in the week.

An 18-year-old man from Thornaby was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and possession with intent to supply class B drugs, and was released under investigation. A 20-year-old man from Coulby Newham was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and has been released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries. A 41-year-old man from Stockton was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape and harassment and has been released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries. A 40-year-old man from Cleveland was arrested on suspicion of rape and released on bail.

Wednesday – Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Stalking and Harassment

On Wednesday, the action continued with the release of images of seven men wanted by Cleveland Police for issues of violence and intimidation against women. Thomas Elcoate, who was wanted for witness intimidation and breach of bail, was arrested within a day of the release of the images, whilst Benjamin Pugh, who was wanted for domestic burglary, assault and breach of a restraining order was captured on 24th September.

The others circulated on social media – 30-year-old Connor McKie, wanted on suspicion of assault and criminal damage; 44-year-old Craig Wharton, who was wanted on suspicion of assault, non-fatal strangulation, harassment and theft; 36-year-old Paul Murray, wanted for non-fatal strangulation; 31-year-old Scott Stevens, wanted for assault, harassment with fear of violence and malicious communications; and 22-year-old Lewis Dawson, wanted for assault – all remain outstanding and continue to be circulated on social media.

We would encourage each of them to hand themselves in to Police at their nearest police station and continue to ask the public for their assistance in finding them by calling 101 if they know of their whereabouts.

There was also a focus on stalking and harassment, with officers arresting a 55-year-old man from Stockton for a breach of a domestic violence prevention order and a 54-year-old from Middlesbrough arrested on suspicion of stalking and harassment.

Thursday – Management of Sex Offenders

Thursday’s focus was on the management of sex offenders, with officers going out to arrest those failing to comply with conditions they are required to adhere to as registered sex offenders. Four arrests were made – two men aged 41, a 52-year-old man and a 21-year-old man – for breaching notification requirements and breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.

Officers in Hartlepool also arrested two men aged 23 and 42, in the town for possessing indecent images of children and distributing indecent images of children.

Friday – Support for Victims of Rape and Sexual Abuse

Friday saw Paul James sentenced for multiple rapes which took place over twenty years ago and began when the victim was a teenager.

The victim came forward in 2021 to report the crimes and was visited initially by a specially trained Sexual Offences Officer, who took the time to listen to the victim about what had happened, and obtain the details required to begin an investigation. Whilst the victim was supported by ARCH, an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor was also on hand to provide her with regular updates and advise on the progress of the investigation, explain what was happening and answer any questions.

This case showed victims that whether abuse took place yesterday or twenty years ago, it is never too late to report it and for officers to investigate.

Weekend – Safer Night Spots

The weekend then moved the focus to creating a safe environment for everyone to enjoy a night out without fear of abuse or violence. Officers ensured a visible presence in town centre nightspots to provide reassurance to revellers that officers were close by should they require help. The Force works closely with local businesses to raise awareness of the dangers of drink spiking, unwanted attention from others in bars such as touching, grabbing and abusive comments, and worked to create safer environments for everyone to enjoy socialising without fear.

Two men were arrested or being drunk and disorderly as part of these weekend patrols, and one man was arrested for assault on a female.

Monday – Domestic Abuse and Clare’s Law

Monday closed the week of action, shining a light on the help available to victims of domestic abuse and reminding victims of domestic abuse and those who fear they may be at risk of becoming a victim, that they have a ‘right to ask’ for a domestic violence disclosure under Clare’s Law.

Focus on Staff and Officers

Throughout the week, Cleveland Police staff have been learning more about Violence Against Women and Girls and increasing their knowledge of how to spot abuse and encourage women and girls to report it. Officers and staff have also been learning about changing cultures and speaking up and calling out any misogynistic and abusive behaviour in the workplace.