A crackdown on violence against women has led to 18 arrests for offences including domestic abuse, rape, assault and possession of indecent images.
On Wednesday, over 265 South Yorkshire Police officers were deployed across the city to tackle violence against women and girls in Operation Duxford.
The operation formed part of the annual global campaign 16 Days of Activism, which which runs from November 25 to December 10 and started at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991.
Operation leader DCI Eleanor Welsh said: “Our message is clear – violence against women and girls will not be tolerated – we will track down those who are wanted for offences against women and girls and bring them to justice.”
An additional 260 patrol hours were delivered in areas where the public have told SYP via the StreetSafe app that they avoid, due to feeling unsafe or intimidated.
Throughout the day patrols also carried out 18 visits to registered sex offenders, 64 safeguarding visits to vulnerable children and adults, and engaged with nine victims who have domestic violence prevention orders.
Premises checks were also made at a number of brothels and areas associated with sex workers to check conditions and provide support where needed and 11 engagement stalls were made in locations across the city where officers listened to people’s concerns.
DCI Welsh said: “I’d also like to reassure women that if they are a victim of a crime, we will listen. You will be taken seriously, we will do everything we can to support you and we will take appropriate action.”
One anonymous domestic abuse survivor said: “I am pleased that SYP are doing the vital work to protect women across the city. This provides security to women, such as myself, who at the time were too scared to speak.”
SYP has also been working alongside charities such as the Independent Domestic Abuse Advisory Service and Women’s Aid Sheffield to provide advice and support for victims who are vulnerable.
Chief executive of Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer, said: “There is a role to play for everyone in helping to end domestic abuse, and raising awareness of the support available to help women living with abusive partners.”
As well as Operation Duxford, SYP deployed Operation Sentinel in Sheffield city centre.
This operation uses similar approaches being delivered elsewhere across the country to reduce vulnerability in the night time economy such as uniformed and plain clothes officers to carry out patrols to identify people who may be displaying predatory behaviour such as inappropriate touching.
DCI Welsh said: “We have had some really positive results through Operation Sentinel since it began earlier this year, the deployment was another success.”
The StreetSafe app allows the police and councils to know where to focus patrols, CCTV and additional lighting, so our community can be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. It’s completely anonymous. You can access the tool here: www.police.uk/pu/notices/streetsafe/street-safe
