Research during the 2006 World Cup raised concerns about the potential for violent domestic incidents to increase during the tournament in 2010.

 

South Yorkshire Police and their partners are determined to crack down on all forms of alcohol-related violence during the World Cup period. If football leads to offenders getting drunk and striking out at whoever is around, this may take the form of domestic abuse.

 

With one in five violent crimes being domestic-abuse-related, South Yorkshire Police know that action is needed now to prevent the victims of this crime becoming seriously injured or even killed.

 

Supt Peter Norman said: “Specially-trained officers will be working during this high profile period to assist victims of domestic abuse. Officers have already begun a series of visits to known domestic abuse offenders warning them that domestic abuse is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any time.

 

“The World Cup is not an excuse for drunken violent behaviour and everyone has the right to live in an environment free from abuse or the threat of violence.

 

“Domestic abuse affects a large number of people and it also brings a great deal of sadness and worry to children. There is no excuse, ever, and I would like to encourage any victims of domestic abuse to come forward so that the police and our partner agencies can provide you with the help and assistance that is available.”

 

In Sheffield, Police are working with Sheffield City Council, who have set up the Sheffield Domestic Abuse Partnership Helpline, offering help and support to people about domestic abuse, whether they are victims themselves, or know a victim and need advice on what to do. So far the phoneline has already offered help and support to 137 people since its launch in May.

 

Open from 10am to 7pm on Wednesdays and 10am to 4pm on other weekdays, calls are free to the helpline from most mobile phone networks and will not show up on your bill.

 

Alison Higgins, Sheffield City Council's service manager for the domestic partnership helpline, said: "Sheffield is leading the field in domestic abuse services which are joined up across the Council, police and voluntary sector. But there is more we can do. We want to get the message out there during the World Cup that domestic abuse is never acceptable. Anyone affected can call the new, freephone domestic abuse hotline on 0808 808 2241, speak to someone who understands what they are going through and get access to the help and support they need.”

 

SYP and partners are fully aware that victims of domestic abuse don’t necessarily see the statistical spike in violent incidents related to specific events, since they are permanently subjected to abuse. Football, when it is linked to domestic violence, is the catalyst not the cause.

 

Domestic abuse consists of not just violence, but also psychological abuse, where the victim is ‘controlled’ by the offender. If someone is, for example, controlling how much money you are allowed or stopping you from having your own friends, this constitutes domestic abuse and SYP and partners are here to help.

 

South Yorkshire Police and its partners take domestic abuse very seriously, all year round. The Force is not only committed to prosecuting offenders but is also able to offer help and support to victims who may be concerned about how to rebuild their lives after escaping their abuser.

 

Victims are urged to call 999 in an emergency, 0114 2202020 to report a crime that has already taken place, or for advice and support, whether you are a victim, or know a victim:
The Sheffield Domestic Abuse Partnership – 0808 808 2241 (free to most mobiles)
or, the National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 274

 

Domestic Abuse is a crime. You don’t have to suffer any longer – report it. We are here to help.