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Posted by Tony Flynn on 8th June 2010 at 12:31 PM
Blow the whistle on domestic violence
A campaign aimed at tackling domestic abuse in the run up and during this year’s World Cup has been launched.

It is being launched as research shows cases of domestic abuse increase by nearly 30 per cent on England match days* across Greater Manchester.

Domestic abuse victims in Salford, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse are being urged to seek help and support in the run up to and during the World Cup.

Detective Chief Inspector Bill McGreavy from Greater Manchester Police’s Salford Division said: “Competitive tension, and increased alcohol consumption, can provoke abuse and violence at home. We want to urge victims, their friends and families not to wait, but to seek help and advice immediately before the abuse escalates.

“We will have specialist domestic abuse officers on duty at key times during the tournament to ensure that full support is available to those in need. Our partner agencies also provide valuable help for victims.

“Offenders also need to be clear that the World Cup cannot be used as justification for any abusive behaviour. Support services are available for them to get help, but if they choose to become violent or abusive then we will arrest them and ensure that they are brought to justice. Our priority is to protect victims.”

A series of hard-hitting posters incorporating images of a football shirt, a remote control and a broken beer bottle will be displayed in locations such as hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and licensed premises, while adverts will run on buses across Greater Manchester.

Councillor David Lancaster, Salford City Council’s lead member for community safety added: “Research shows that there has been a rise in domestic abuse cases during sporting events like the World Cup.

“We don’t want to take the fun out of the tournament but we do want people to think about their behaviour, to encourage people to stay out of trouble and to help people who may be suffering from domestic abuse or violence.

“The campaign is about raising awareness of the help and support that’s available to victims and no-one should feel they have to suffer in silence.”

Information cards will also be distributed providing domestic abuse victims, their friends and families and perpetrators with some key contact numbers for support services.

In addition, free World Cup wall planners are available. They warn heavy drinking mixed with group pressure and the emotion-charged atmosphere that major football events create can lead to people behaving out of character and turn minor incidents into violent confrontations are available. They also contain all the fixtures, dates, times and venues allowing fans to keep a running record of how the competition is progressing. They can be obtained through Neighbourhood Policing Teams, police station enquiry counters and are also being distributed by Manchester FA to all their members.

For more information about those services available to help stop domestic abuse, people can visit: www.endthefear.co.uk. Those responsible can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect Phoneline: 0845 122 8609.

Source: GMP.


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