Police Record Highest Number Of Domestic Abuse Calls Following England’s World Cup Exit

Greater Manchester Police recorded 353 incidents of domestic abuse on the day England went out of the World Cup after a 4-1 defeat by Germany.

Apart from New Year’s Day, it’s the highest number of domestic abuse incidents recorded in a day so far this year and is 15.7 per cent higher than the same day in June last year.

Figures released this week also show calls to the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline rose by 187 during June, which included England’s three-week World Cup campaign, compared to the number of calls received the previous month. The helpline received 448 calls in May, while in June, with England matches against USA, Algeria, Slovenia and Germany, 635 people contacted the helpline.

For the first time ever agencies from across Greater Manchester have worked together to run a campaign to urge victims of domestic abuse, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse to seek help and advice over the World Cup. It is supported by Manchester City Council and the nine other Greater Manchester local authorities, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Public Health Network, Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline, and voluntary organisations.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, GMP’s lead on Domestic Abuse said: “The figures recorded by both ourselves and the helpline highlight the importance of this domestic abuse awareness campaign.

“I am pleased at how many people have responded to the campaign so far and found the courage to come forward. Throughout the remaining World Cup tournament and beyond, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure anyone affected by domestic abuse knows where to go to get the help and support they need.

“I also want to send a clear message to offenders that there is no excuse for domestic abuse at any time and we will look to ensure that those responsible are caught and brought to justice.”

Rowetta of X Factor and Happy Mondays fame helped to launch the campaign on 7 June by unveiling a window display on Market Street in the city centre, which showed the images to be used throughout the campaign.

Rowetta has escaped an abusive relationship and said: “There are a number of peaks in domestic abuse throughout the year. Evidence shows that the combination of a major sporting event and good weather leads to a significant rise in domestic abuse. I’ve been in a violent relationship and know how hard it can be to get out. This campaign aims to make sure that anyone suffering knows how to get the support they need to leave an abusive relationship and start re-building their lives.”

Manchester City Council’s Lead Member on Women, Councillor Suzanne Richards, said: “The statistics show that major sporting events and the consumption of alcohol lead to a rise in incidents of domestic abuse. We have recognised this and worked jointly with the police and other authorities, the health service and voluntary groups across Greater Manchester. Our aim is to raise awareness and give victims, their friends and families and perpetrators the information they need to seek help and support.

“Last week I shadowed an officer from one of Greater Manchester Police’s divisional Domestic Violence Units. I got to see how their targeted World Cup campaign is working in practice. There is a high level of dedication to enforcing the law on perpetrators of domestic abuse, which we would expect but there is also a real focus on preventative action and support for victims.”

Independent Choices, Chief Officer, Sam Priestley, added: “We were pleased to see such great public support and interest for the campaign so far, however we are only part way through the World Cup and beyond this, as we know, domestic abuse is sadly widespread within our communities. It is encouraging so many people have come forward for support to the helpline and other agencies this month. The message across Greater Manchester is that local support is available and everyone has choices that can help to make positive change.”

A series of hard-hitting posters incorporating striking images of a football shirt, remote control and broken beer bottle with headlines such as: Blow the Whistle on Domestic Abuse and Being Controlled is Domestic Abuse are being displayed in locations such as hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and licensed premises.

A credit card sized information card is also being distributed providing domestic abuse victims, their friends and families and perpetrators with some key contact numbers for support services.

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

For further information, please contact: Vanessa Loney, Senior Public Relations Officer, Greater Manchester Police, 0161 856 2244 or mob: 07796 335749 or
Sally Wheatman, Press Officer, Manchester City Council, tel: 0161 234 1010.

Additional Information:
Key National Statistics:

* Home Office statistics show the number of cases of domestic abuse rise by almost 30 per cent on England match days

* A victim can suffer from 35 attacks before the abuse is reported to the police

* In the UK on average 2 women per week are killed by a current or former male partner

* Domestic Abuse accounts for 15 per cent of all violent incidents

* 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime with women at greater risk of repeat victimisation and serious injury

* 89 per cent of those suffering 4 or more incidents are women

* One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute

X Factor star helps blow the whistle on domestic abuse this World Cup

X Factor and Happy Monday’s star Rowetta is backing a Greater Manchester domestic abuse campaign in the run up to and during this year’s World Cup.

The campaign is being launched as research shows cases of domestic abuse increase by nearly 30 per cent on England match days.

Rowetta said: “This campaign is so close to my heart, as most people know, I escaped from a very violent marriage.  If I hadn’t found help, and a refuge, I doubt I would be here now.  I thought I had no way of escaping, and I didn’t think I had the courage.  Everybody going through abuse needs to know that there is a way out.”

Supporting this campaign is the 10 local authorities, Greater Manchester Police, the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline and Greater Manchester Public Health Network, who have come together to urge domestic abuse victims, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse to seek help and support in the run up to and during the World Cup.

The window display consisting of a living room scene with items such as a football shirt, a remote control and a beer bottle taking centre stage will be on show throughout the World Cup and will be a reminder to shoppers that help is available to those who need it.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, GMP’s lead on Domestic Abuse 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.

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

Sam Priestley, Chief Officer, Independent Choices said: “Our helpline, which has run for over 30 years, sees an increase in calls around major sporting events and often incidences are related to people drinking more.

“We are very encouraged that the Greater Manchester as a region has come together with a strong voice against domestic abuse during this World Cup.  Our message is seek help, and the earlier the better, even if it is just to find out your options, local support is available. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is then call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525.”

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.

Kate Ardern, lead GM Director of Public Health for Domestic Abuse added: “Violence and abuse are experienced by women and men from all backgrounds, with devastating consequences for their future physical and mental health.  This is a serious public health issue and we welcome this campaign to get the message out that domestic abuse is not acceptable in our society and that help is available.

“Anyone affected by abuse by a partner, ex partner or a family member can approach their GP or nurse for help.  The Domestic Abuse Helpline staff can also offer support, so we want people to know that they don’t have to put up with abuse and that they can get help to stay safe.”

Rowetta concludes: “This problem will never go away, but hopefully more and more people will see that there is help out there and no matter how weak you feel, you can regain your strength and get your life back, as I did.”

The DAWES Project

The DAWES Project

Domestic Abuse: Women’s Employment Support

We are a service for women who have problems at work because of their experience of domestic abuse. We can provide information, advice and support on any employment matter that is affecting you because of past or present experience of domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner or other family member. If you would like to talk to us in confidence, we provide a free, confidential service run by women.

We can also assist employers to develop policies and good practice in order to support staff who experience domestic abuse.

Contact us:
Telephone 0161 839 3236
Email contact@dawesproject.org.uk

The Domestic Abuse Helpline is open extra hours during the World Cup

Please note that the Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline will be open additional hours during England’s first three world cup games. Our opening hours will be:

Saturday 12th June 7pm – midnight
Friday 18th June 10am – midnight
Wednesday 23rd June 10am – 9pm

0161 636 7525

We will evaluate the calls and England’s progress and decide on further additional cover for the world cup period.

Please call for help, advice, support and to find out more about your options and rights. Approach us now, don’t let a situation get worse.

World Cup Campaign

Domestic abuse cases increased nationally by up to 30% on England match days during the 2006 World Cup. For this year’s World Cup tournament, Greater Manchester is taking action to reduce the incidence of domestic abuse across the region. This website, along with a window display on Market Street in Manchester city centre, is an integral part of the Greater Manchester wide campaign which will run for the duration of the World cup. Read more