Monday, 07 June, 2010
During the last world cup in June 2006 incidents of domestic violence rose by around
30 percent in West Yorkshire. This equates to 285 more victims over the four week period and an extra 270 people were arrested for domestic violence related offences.
This is why West Yorkshire Police have teamed up with West Yorkshire Probation Trust, Wakefield Council and NHS Wakefield to raise awareness of domestic violence, where people can go for help and advice to both victims and perpetrators.
The campaign called “Don’t let the World Cup leave its mark on you” comprises of posters being displayed and leaflets being handed out across the county. Radio advertisements will also be playing throughout the tournament.
The images depict a victim with injuries on her back, bruises, scratches, cuts and a foot print – all attributed to a red card, a penalty and a goal disallowed.
The offender has prison sentences tattooed on him - GBH 7-years, ABH 5-years and wife beater.
All agencies are continuing to work together in order to provide support for victims and also rehabilitation for offenders.
Police in Wakefield are visiting both men and women who are likely to be either victims or perpetrators of domestic abuse and are offering appropriate advice.
The Safe at Home Team’s who are jointly commissioned by the Primary Care Trust and Wakefield Council, are on hand to provide rapid support to any victims of domestic violence. The teams provide counselling and support to those who have experienced domestic abuse.
NHS staff will be out in the community reminding people about sensible drinking and the Turning Point outreach team are going to be visiting Pinderfields A&E, the city centre and XScape to help signpost alcohol and drug support service.
Detective Inspector Granville Ward from the Force’s Child and Public Protection Unit said: “We know that domestic violence increased during the last world cup and it is hoped that by raising awareness of this we may be able to prevent history repeating itself.
“My message to victims is that you don’t have to put with violence or abuse. We and our partners are here to help you. If you feel you may be at risk over the tournament, think about what you can do to make yourself safe and ask for help and advice from either your local police Safeguarding Unit or voluntary groups in your area.
“To men who have committed violence against their partners– we know that the risk of you offending increases over the World Cup. This is often increased by excessive drinking, poorly managed emotions and a decision to resort to violence. Think about the consequences of your actions and what you can do to stop. Contact your local Probation Service about where you can go for advice and help.
“We will take positive action against anyone who commits offences, we will arrest you and we will bring you before the courts.”
Barbara Bennett, Programmes Manager for West Yorkshire Probation Trust Domestic Violence Programme said: “World cup finals can prove to be painful events for many England fans, but the shameful fact is they have proven to be even more painful for many families who suffer from an increase in domestic abuse during the tournament.
“Many men we have worked with have recognised a need to change this behaviour and sought help and proved that it is possible for everyone to enjoy the world cup safely.
“Don’t let your family pay the penalty for your world cup passion. Make it your goal to cut down on injury time.”
Cllr Olivia Rowley, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for environment and communities said: "The World Cup draws people together but it can also unfortunately lead to people taking out their frustrations on others.
“We are sending out a clear message here - enjoy the matches but do it responsibly and without harming anyone else."
NHS Wakefield District’s Director of Public Health, Dr Andrew Furber said: “We want people to enjoy the World Cup and to remember the winning goals.
“We want them to be safe and sensible if they drink, and not to end up doing something that's harmed them or others and that they later regret.
“Too much alcohol can make you aggressive and violent. That's why we've been working with our partners to raise awareness of how to stay safe and healthy so that we can hopefully avoid the rise in alcohol related incidents that we saw during the last World Cup.
"Our message is - have fun but keep a check on what your drinking and don’t overdo it –this will help make sure you take care of yourself and others.
“If you need help or advice whether it's because you are concerned about your alcohol consumption or a loved ones, or you are worried about domestic violence we have teams who can help so please don't suffer in silence."
Help or advice can be found by contacting the following:
• West Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 606, in an emergency call 999 or visit you can visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk.
• If you are a woman at risk of abuse you can call 0808 200 0247 Women’s Aid – The National Domestic Violence help line.
• If you feel you are at risk of violent or abusive behaviour you can get help to change from the Respect National Phone line 0845 122 8690. (Mon - Fri 10 - 1.00 and 2-5pm www.respectphoneline.org.uk) calls are 4p a minute and are confidential.
• If you have experienced domestic abuse the Safe at Home team provide counselling, support and advice you can contact them on
0800 915 1561 (Mon-Fri -9am-5pm), email them at safeathome@wakefield.gov.uk or visit www.wakefielddistrict.nhs.uk/yourHealth/StayingHealthy/DomesticAbuse/ for more information.
• If you or someone you know has problems with drinking too much alcohol, the Alcohol team can help just ring them on 01924 302120 or visit www.wakefielddistrict.nhs.uk/yourHealth/StayingHealthy/SubstanceMisuseAndAlcohol/AlcoholTeam/ for more information.
• You can also find help, advice, guidance about alcohol and its effects by visiting www.nhs.uk/livewell/alcohol/pages/effectsofalcohol.aspx