UK government fears a large rise in domestic related incidents during England's 2010 World Cup Campaign, based on evidence from the last football World Cup.
British police forces have put together a campaign to raise awareness, support the victims of domestic violence and wife beatings and ultimately stop violent attacks.
Figures and Facts about Domestic Abuse During Football World Cup
Research shows that during the last football World Cup in 2006, the number of cases dealing with domestic violence rose by around 25% during England matches and even soared to 30% on the day when England was eliminated from the World Cup.
There is an obvious link between violence in the home and excessive alcohol intake. One in four offenders of domestic abuse during the World Cup was found to be under the influence of alcohol. "Alcohol doesn't cause domestic violence but we know that when people drink, the instance and severity of violence does go up," said Nikolay Sorensen, of Alcohol Concern. Police urge football fans therefore to also watch their alcohol intake at home when watching matches.
Unfortunately, women don't come forward quickly when they are being beaten and research shows that often they suffer 40 incidents of abuse before they will report it to the authorities.
Action Plan Against Domestic Violence during World Cup
The police and six councils have developed a campaign to raise awareness of violence in the home during the football World Cup, support victims, detect abuse quicker, act firmly against it and ultimately prevent it.
The regions' approach might differ slightly according to the means they have at hand. In Leeds, for instance, they use a special domestic violence response car to detect and registrate offences better and in North West Leeds "grab bags" (bags with devices and alarms to protect oneself from violent situations) will be distributed to people at risk. However, the general approach of the initiative consists out of the following main points:
- 100 000 beermats will be printed with slogans and door staff will get printed t-shirts and jackets.
- 70 000 World Cup fixture lists with key contact info for victims will be distributed in pubs, off-licences, bookmakers, supermarkets and other public places.
- Warning messages will be sent out to mobile phones.
- Extra support workers will be available to help victims on match days.
- More detectives will be working during the World Cup matches to deal with the increase of home abuse cases.
- The police will be making home visits to people with a history of domestic violence.
- Secret video cameras in victims' homes and police "helmet cameras" will be used to gather evidence as officers arrive at the scene.
Because of the concerning rise in domestic abuse incidents during the last football World Cup, police are taking precautions for the World Cup 2010 by launching a major initiative to warn offenders and support victims (Note : for victims of domestic abuse or for people who know someone who is violated there is a Domestic Abuse Helpline available on 0161 636 7525).
Carlien van de Kreeke - About me Carlien van de Kreeke has a Masters Degree in Germanic languages (English/ Dutch Literature and Linguistics), obtained at the ...
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