News blog

Operation Auction, which begins today (25 November), is a two-month initiative led by police and supported by City of Edinburgh Council and representatives from the health and voluntary sector.

The operation incorporates the International 16 Day of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign and the Scottish Government backed National Antiviolence campaign.

As part of Operation Auction, officers will be engaging with local communities to raise awareness on the subjects of domestic abuse and violence against women and offer appropriate advice and guidance when necessary.

Police will also engage in various enforcement activities and anyone responsible for domestic abuse or violence against women and those found to be involved will be robustly dealt with.

Any victims identified throughout Operation Auction will be directed to the appropriate services where they will be offered all the support they require.

Councillor Paul Edie, chairman of the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership, said: "No one should have to suffer in silence and our message to women who are experiencing domestic abuse is that help is available.

Sergeant Phil Smith, from Lothian and Borders Police Domestic Abuse Unit in Edinburgh, said: "The festive period is traditionally a busy time for police and a time when we observe a rise in the number of domestic abuse and violence against women being reported.

"During Operation Auction, we will be providing a visible presence in our communities to deter against domestic abuse and violence against women and offer all the required support to victims with the assistance of our partner agencies.

"Lothian and Borders Police are committed to building safer communities and domestic abuse or violence in any form will not be tolerated. Those who are identified as being responsible for such crimes will find themselves facing prosecution.

"The force operates a remote reporting system, which allows a complaint to be made via a third party.  Anyone wishing to utilise this service can do so by visiting http://lbpcmsstaging/Internet/contact_us/remote_crime_reporting.aspx "

For further information or advice on this subject, contact can be made with a Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer on 0131-316-6683 or Lothian & Borders Police Force Website - www.lbp.police.uk/domesticabuse

Anyone wishing to report a crime can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, 999, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.                                          

"We would urge victims to contact one of the many support agencies in the city to seek support and ensure those committing these crimes are brought to justice."