Dawn raids targeting domestic violence across Sutton began this week as the police launched a campaign with the Sutton Guardian to combat the crime.

The operation, code named Athena, was co-ordinated by Sutton’s Community Safety Unit and was part of a Metropolitan Police-wide initiative to tackle domestic, homophobic and race hate crime.

Officers visited six addresses and arrested two people: one a 46-year-old man for an assault on a woman, the other a 33-year-old man for harassment against his former partner.

Police figures show there is an average of two to three domestic violence incidents in Sutton each day, totalling about 2,000 a year.

The crime can also increase at Christmas, when arguments are fuelled by greater family tensions, alcohol or drug taking.

However, Detective Chief Inspector Charlie King said domestic violence was a priority for Sutton police station throughout the year.

He said: “Everyday we are investigating. Domestic violence is a very common crime, but carries an extremely high risk; a fair percentage of murders are domestic-violence based.”

Mr King said the response to domestic violence had improved over the years because of a multi-agency approach, but some areas were still developing.

He said: “The major gap is on the hospital side. They are not allowed to report it to us, because of patient confidentiality.

“We’re trying to develop an arrangement with the local health authority so casualty can relay this information to us.

“Domestic violence in teenagers can also be a problem. Teenagers are less likely to come forward for help and are more isolated. The Cassandra Project in Croydon is helping to combat this problem.”

D Chief Insp King stressed that police treat domestic violence very seriously and respond to all reports.

He said there was a domestic violence referral officer at Sutton police station who also worked closely with an independent domestic violence advocate, to provide free advice to victims and liaise with housing and social services.

D Chief Insp King said: “We also accept that prosecution is not necessarily the best solution for the victim, as it takes a considerable ordeal for them to go to court.

“However, there are protective measures in place, such as video screens, to make the experience easier.

“In some cases, if there is enough evidence or other witness statements, we might prosecute without the victim.”

BREAK OUT An allegation of assault brings police to the door of a Sri Lankan woman on Tuesday morning.

Timid, she struggles to describe in English the assault that happened the night before that left her with bruises.

But she has enough conviction to tell police she does not want her husband to come back home.

Back in the car, after making arrangements for an interpreter and other support services, one officer said: “It can be very hard for some people in a domestic violence relationship to report it – she was quite strong.

“But we do have a lot of the same people calling in weekly. A lot of women go back because of the financial or emotional control their partners exercise over them.

“As soon as they report it, though, we can start to do something about it.”

Another officer said: “Domestic violence cuts across all cultures, religions and economic fortunes. I once had a case of a military officer who savagely beat his wife.”

Before the officers leave for the raids they analyse the risk involved, weighing up past offences and convictions.

Everyone dons a knife-proof vest before splitting into groups and driving off to deliver early morning wake-up calls.

But on this occasion, there is little confrontation, apart from the verbally combative kind.

Leaning out of her bedroom window, the mother of one suspect tells officers to leave, in a few choice words.

After more expletives are delivered, one officer firmly reminds her: “Just let him know we’ll be back again. Our officers will be round again tonight or tomorrow morning.

“There’s no getting away.”

Are you affected by this story? Let us know below