Police have carried out a two-day exercise targeting domestic abuse suspects.

The pre-planned initiative, which was designed to protect victims, took place across west Kent last Thursday and Friday.

Over the two days, nine men and three women were arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences.

Of these, two people have been charged and two have been released without charge. Ten people have been bailed, pending further inquiries.

As well as making arrests, officers also combat domestic abuse by working with partner organisations, including courts, charities, probation and local councils.

Insp Jody Gagan-Cook, from the Maidstone Community Safety Unit, said: "Our main focus for offences of this nature is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the victims – part of that is ensuring they see action being taken.

"We want to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents of abuse, control and violence and not suffer in silence. Together with our partner agencies, we will ensure they receive the support they need."

Arrests on Thursday, June 9:

• Andrew Looseley, 41 and of Highland Road in Maidstone, was charged with breaching a non-molestation order. He has been bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18 July.

• An 18-year-old man from Maidstone who was arrested in Barker Road. He was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 June, where he was released on bail. He was also arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed for this, pending further inquiries, until Tuesday 14 July.

• A 40-year-old man from Sevenoaks who was arrested in Bayham Road, Sevenoaks. He has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until Tuesday 28 June.

• A 20-year-old man from Maidstone who was arrested in Grove Road, Maidstone. He has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until Monday 4 July.

• A 41-year-old woman from Sundridge who was arrested in Woodsgate Corner, Pembury. She has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until 4 August.

• A 40-year-old man from Swanley who was arrested in Leechcroft Avenue, Swanley. He has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until Thursday 23 June.

• A 42-year-old woman from Swanley who was arrested in Leechcroft Avenue, Swanley. She has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until Thursday 23 June.

• A 17-year-old boy from Staplehurst who was arrested in Palace Avenue, Maidstone. He has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until Tuesday 28 June.

• A 41-year-old man from Maidstone was arrested in Westmorland Close, Maidstone. He has been released without charge.

• A 40-year-old man from Brasted who was arrested in West End, Brasted. He has been released without charge.

Arrests on Friday, June 10

• Mariusz Sylwester Przetacznik, 37 and of St John's Hill in Sevenoaks, was charged with breaching a non-molestation order. He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Saturday 11 June and will appear at the same court on Monday 27 June.

• A 34-year-old woman from Swanley who was arrested in Azalea Drive, Swanley. She was granted street bail until Thursday 14 July.

As well as those arrested, a further two people were interviewed about reported domestic offences. They were an 18-year-old man from Canterbury and an 18-year-old woman from Tonbridge. Enquiries into these reports are ongoing.

Insp Gagan-Cook added: "No one should feel like they are alone – if an incident of domestic abuse is reported to us we will take action.

"At the same time, I understand that some people may be fearful of approaching us. If that’s the case, I would encourage them to speak to a local support group."

For confidential help and support visit the Kent Police website.