Councils across England are launching awareness campaigns warning that domestic abuse incidents tend to rise during the World Cup, urging residents to seek help and look out for one another.
Walsall Council, working with the Safer Walsall Partnership and West Midlands Police, has launched a campaign highlighting that risk of abuse rose 26% when England won or drew, and 38% when they lost, according to 2014 Lancaster University research. Cllr Stuart Chapman said the goal was to make clear ‘domestic abuse has no place in Walsall.’
Similar campaigns are running in Medway, where the council is working with Kent County Council and domestic abuse services on its ‘Know, See, Speak Out’ initiative, and in Telford & Wrekin, where events are being held in shopping centres, hospitals and pubs throughout June and July.
Eastleigh Borough Council is supporting the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership's campaign, while Portsmouth City Council has highlighted risks linked to increased gambling and betting during matches.
All campaigns stress that alcohol and football do not cause abuse, but late kick-off times and increased socialising at home can heighten risks behind closed doors. Support services remain available throughout the tournament.
If you are affected by domestic abuse, contact the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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