POLICE have arrested 39 people across the north as part of a crackdown on individuals wanted for violence against women and girls.
The arrests were carried out on Tuesday as part of the PSNI's support of a global campaign against perpetrators of violent offences and abuse including coercive control.
The International 16 Days of Action against VAWG (violence against women and girls) runs from November 25 to December 10, and ahead of this year's campaign, the PSNI in September launched their first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Action Plan.
Included was a plan to 'relentlessly' pursue those wanted for such offences, making their apprehension a 'prioritisation' for officers.
This week's 24-hour operation targeted those wanted on bench warrants linked to domestic abuse motivated investigations, including assaults and harassment, and those who have committed offences under the north's new Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act.
Eight of the arrests were made in Belfast, while 18 were across northern policing districts including Derry and Strabane and Mid and East Antrim, while 13 were across southern districts.
PSNI Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said perpetrators can expect targeted activity by officers to become "more frequent".
"Our officers took a public stand and sent a strong message that we will do everything in our power to put a stop to abuse, harassment and violence against women and girls," she said.
"We want those who target women and girls in Northern Ireland to know that we are actively pursuing you, using the tools at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.
"We want all women and girls to not only be safe but feel safe in Northern Ireland. As part of our annual Operation Season’s Greetings, the public can expect to see more officers out on targeted patrols."