Police have arrested 23 people in a crackdown on suspected domestic abuse.
Operation Cassia is a police operation led by Merseyside Police's Protecting Vulnerable People unit which arrests people believed to be responsible for recent and historic cases of domestic abuse. Yesterday a team of local officers made 23 arrests across Merseyside and charged two suspects. Both men appeared in court today and were released on conditional bail.
Kevin Burgess, 51, of Lauriston Road, Walton, has been charged with assault by beating, threatening a person with a blade in a public place and intimidating a witness/juror. He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on July 21 2023.
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Alun Roberts, 41, of Hornby Crescent, St Helens, has been charged with attempt to possess a controlled Class A drug (cocaine) and two counts of common assault. He will next appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on July 21 2023.
One unnamed suspect has been served a Domestic Violence Protection Notice and appeared in court today. One suspect remains in custody while another was released without charge. Merseyside Police confirmed 18 suspects have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said: "These operations are only a snapshot of what our officers do every day to seek out those involved in such crimes and offer justice for victim-survivors. We have been working hard behind the scenes to gather evidence and build a case against each of them.
"Domestic abuse isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. Some of the signs of domestic abuse, such as physical marks, may be easy to identify but others may be things you can easily explain away or overlook.
"Often victims are either in a relationship with the perpetrator or have been historically, it can therefore be very hard for them to report what has been going on. They might still love their abuser, feel loyal to them, are protecting their children or are simply living in fear."
DCI Hinds added Merseyside Police is committed to breaking the "cycle of abuse" where perpetrators commit repeated crimes against their victim. She urged victims of domestic abuse to come forward, adding: "We can protect you or anyone that does come forward and take decisive action against abusers.
"Together we can help you overcome any cycle of domestic abuse."
You can report by calling 101, if you are not in an emergency situation. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you ring 999 and are not in a safe position to speak to us then cough or tap the phone and press 55, when prompted. This will alert the operator that you need assistance.
For more information please contact any of Merseyside Police's support organisations via: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/
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