FOURTEEN people were arrested this week for domestic violence during a series of raids in Haringey. Thirteen men and one woman were seized in the police operation codenamed Athena on Tuesday (November 25). The arrests follow recent figures that show ther

FOURTEEN people were arrested this week for domestic violence during a series of raids in Haringey.

Thirteen men and one woman were seized in the police operation codenamed Athena on Tuesday (November 25).

The arrests follow recent figures that show there were 1,100 reports of domestic violence in Haringey since April.

Now in its ninth year, Operation Athena aims to transfer fear on to violent offenders while encouraging more victims to come forward.

The raids were carried out between 12.30am on Tuesday and 12.30am yesterday (Wednesday).

Det Insp Mick Ainslee of Haringey Police said: "Haringey's community safety unit is committed to working with strategic partnership agencies to intervene at the earliest opportunity to protect and support victims of hate crime and to hold perpetrators to account. We treat every allegation seriously and work hard to catch those responsible."

Haringey Police work in close partnership with Hearthstone, a council-run drop-in centre where victims of domestic violence can obtain help and advice on matters such as housing, welfare, legal and many other matters.

The centre is used by more than 1,300 clients each year and has been temporarily moved to the Civic Centre, in High Road, Wood Green, while extension and refurbishment work is carried out at the centre in Commerce Road.

Cllr Nilgun Canver, responsible for enforcement and safer communities, said: "Police carry out raids like this to raise awareness that domestic violence will not be tolerated. We work in partnership with the police to reduce domestic violence and support victims through Hearthstone, our drop-in centre in Wood Green.

"This is open to both men and women - as well as same-sex couples. The majority of our clients, however, are women.

"The peak time for domestic violence is weekends. Up to 30 per cent of cases we see involve alcohol, when a partner returns home drunk."

Det Insp Ainslee said: "It is important that the community helps to provide information to build evidence against offenders and that people come forward to report such crime.

"Victims can be assured they will be treated sympathetically and will be given assistance throughout the process according to their individual needs.

In total, 60 men were arrested in a series of raids across London on Tuesday.

The police activity coincided with the introduction of the Forced Marriage Act 2007 aimed at protecting victims of forced arranged marriages.

Anyone who suffers from domestic violence can contact Hearthstone for help and advice on 020-8888 5362.