Operation Athena arrests 320 alleged domestic abusers across London (From News Shopper)

Operation Athena arrests 320 alleged domestic abusers across London

7:20am Friday 30th November 2012 in Crime By Alan Woods

DOMESTIC abusers across London have been told to “live in fear” as a capital-wide crackdown has seen 320 people arrested this week.

Met Police officers carried out a series of raids as part of Operation Athena, which targeted prolific and dangerous offenders responsible for domestic violence and hate crime.

The week-long operation that started on Monday (November 26) and ends today (November 30), has seen men and women arrested for offences including assault, harassment, criminal damage and rape.

Others have also been detained for threats to kill and possession of class A and B drugs.

Assistant Commissioner Simon Byrne, in charge of territorial policing, said: “There’s no place in London for domestic violence or those cowardly crimes committed because of someone's race, religion, sexuality or disability.

“It’s the offenders who should live in fear - of our knock at the door.

“Suffering behind closed doors should not and cannot be ignored. We all have a responsibility to put a stop to domestic violence.”

According to Met figures, one third of all women will suffer some form of physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their partners.

Assistant Commissioner Byrne added: “We’re committed to tackling all of forms violence and will make sure we play our part in supporting and protecting victims of both sexes.

“It’s also importantly about demonstrating to abusers that their actions have legal, and in some cases, long lasting consequences.”

The Met works with a range of third parties to take reports from people who are not comfortable talking to the police direct, in order to ensure all possible support is available to victims.

Domestic abuse victims should call 0808 2000 247.