29 arrests made in Rochdale during targeted domestic abuse week of action

Saturday, 5 April 2025 15:20

By David Murphy

A specialist team from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in Rochdale has made 29 arrests as part of a targeted week of action tackling domestic abuse.

The enforcement activity formed part of Operation Magnolia, GMP’s ongoing campaign to confront domestic abuse across the region. Officers in Rochdale arrested individuals for a range of serious offences including rape, assault, coercive control, stalking, harassment, and breaches of restraining or non-molestation orders.

The week also saw GMP working closely with partner organisations such as The Langley Children’s Centre, victim support services, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), Andy’s Man Club, Hopwood Hall College, and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. Together, these partnerships focused on safeguarding victims and raising community awareness.

In addition to arrests, GMP delivered specialist training to frontline officers and staff. This included contributions from Rochdale Connections Trust on its Free from Harm programme, aimed at empowering individuals through better understanding of domestic abuse, and the CARA (Cautioning and Relationship Abuse) initiative – a nationally recognised early intervention programme for conditional caution cases.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Williams, Vulnerability Lead for GMP Rochdale, said:
“Domestic abuse is a crime that thrives in silence and isolation. It has devastating and lasting impacts on individuals and families, which is why it remains a top priority for us.
“Our job, year-round and not just during a week of action, is targeting perpetrators of domestic abuse to keep people safe from harm.
“Victims should know they are not to blame. We understand how difficult it can be to report incidents, but help is available whether or not you choose to report to the police.”

DCI Williams also encouraged victims or concerned individuals to seek support through GMP or anonymously via Crimestoppers. Specialist agencies such as Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, and Survivors Manchester continue to offer confidential support services to those affected.

The police emphasise that domestic abuse – in all its forms – will not be tolerated and pledged to continue using every available resource to protect and support survivors, while bringing offenders to justice.