EACH day in Cambridgeshire more than 20 incidents of domestic abuse are reported to police who, in a special day of action yesterday, made nine arrests.

Officers from the Domestic Abuse Investigations and Safeguarding Unit and the Public Protection Department swooped on homes across the county.

Detective Inspector Lorraine Parker said: “This day of action was part of the unit’s ongoing work to tackle domestic abuse.

She added: “This day of action should serve as a warning to those who think domestic violence is acceptable.

“I would also encourage anyone who is a victim of abuse not to suffer in silence and take that first step towards seeking help.”

She said that in April the force had launched its specialised unit to investigate all domestic abuse crimes “meaning victims deal with specially trained officers.”

Cambs Police work closely with charities, such as Refuge and Women’s’ Aid and the Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVAS), and schools, social care and housing to tackle domestic abuse at all levels and from all sides.

Youngest of those arrested yesterday was a 20 year-old man from Whittlesey, arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until August 15.

A Littleport man, 26, was also arrested on suspicion of assault whilst other arrests were made in Peterborough and Cambridge.

A 22 year-old from Peterborough was charged with assault by beating and possession of a knife in a public place.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE was the first force in the region to introduce a MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing) group. This group manages individual cases of domestic abuse and looks at ways of reducing the risk of harm to partners and children.

The force also works with the National Centre for Domestic Violence which provides quick access to legal support and court assistance from solicitors.

A REVISED strategy to reduce domestic abuse and sexual violence has been championed by Cambridgeshire County Council.

County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Tony Orgee, said: “There is no room for complacency. The issues surrounding domestic abuse and sexual violence have an impact on all sectors of society.”