16 Days of Action: Targeting perpetrators in Bedfordshire

We have secured our first forced marriage charge alongside a range of other charges, as officers continue to crackdown on perpetrators of violence against women and girls during 16 Days of Action.

On Tuesday (29 November), a man in his 20s was charged with eight offences including using threats to coerce someone into marriage, strangulation and assault by beating.

On the same day, Bedfordshire Police also arrested five men for separate domestic abuse related incidents across the county. The subsequent charges included assault by beating, strangulation and coercive control.

These results fall during Bedfordshire Police’s 16 Days of Action campaign, a dedicated campaign highlighting the action taken to hold perpetrators of domestic abuse and any form of violence accountable.

Detective Superintendent Zara Brown, head of force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Six men were charged and remanded into custody in one evening for several domestic abuse related offenses, demonstrating the excellent proactive work led by our specialist Emerald domestic abuse team.

“Perpetrators of domestic abuse have no place in our society and as a force we are committed to bringing them to justice.

“We know that people are living with abuse and in fear and we want to help provide the confidence for people to walk away. Whether you are experiencing abuse yourself, or you are worried for someone you know, there is always help available.

“In Bedfordshire we have a dedicated team, with specialist officers and partners, who will work with victims every step of the way.”

Find out more about the work we are doing.

Although this campaign has a significant focus on male violence, Bedfordshire Police remain committed to tackling all forms of abuse, supporting victims of any gender, and tackling both male and female offenders. 

Reports can be made to police on 101, or via our online reporting tool. 

Always call 999 in an emergency.