More than 100 arrests and 68 charges during 16 days of action

More than 100 people were arrested and 68 people charged during 16 days of action targeting domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

Between 25 November and 10 December 2024 officers from across the force worked together to arrest and charge those most intent on causing harm.

A total of 124 arrests were made relating to violent incidents, with 68 people being charged.

This included –

• Bart Hastings, 40, from Hythe Road, Dymchurch who was charged with assault, controlling and coercive behaviour and possession of a class B drug. He was remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 6 January 2025.

• David Carey, 35, from Upstreet, Canterbury was charged with assault, criminal damage, dangerous driving and controlling or coercive behaviour. He was remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 6 January 2025.

• Matthew Thompson, 25, from Grampion Close, Ashford was charged with rape, false imprisonment and assault. He was remanded in custody to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on 13 January 2025.

Officers also worked with volunteers from charities including Rising Sun and Oasis Domestic Abuse Service who visited police stations across the county offering advice and information to victims.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lopa McDermott said: ‘Tackling violence against women and girls and domestic abuse is a priority for the force. ‘We actively target those perpetrators who cause harm, as well as providing support to victims all year round. ‘The 16 days of action gave us an opportunity to raise awareness of gender-based violence and protect those who are most at risk. ‘There is never an excuse for domestic abuse and gender-based violence, no matter what the circumstances are.’

Further information about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) can be found on our advice and information pages. If you have been a victim of violence and wish to report it, please use our online reporting service. Always call 999 in an emergency.

There are different types of domestic abuse, and it affects people in different ways. Find out what is classed as domestic abuse and the ways to report it on our advice pages. Always call 999 in an emergency.