Cheshire Police - World Cup Domestic Abuse Campaign

Cheshire Police is using this year's World Cup football fest to highlight the support available to domestic abuse survivors using the message "Time's up for domestic abusers".

During the 2006 tournament there were 1,220 cases of domestic abuse reported in Cheshire and police are urging victims to pick up the phone if it's happening to them, whatever the time of year.

Over the next few weeks in the run up to the World Cup, people can expect to see posters and leaflets reaching out to victims displayed in creches, doctors surgeries, pharmacies and libraries as well as in police station front desk areas. There are two messages -- one urging the message "If it's kicking off at home, pick up the phone -- dial 999" with an image of a stadium and the other of a pitch with "Next time he crosses the line, dial 999" -- and asking victims to come forward if it's happening to them.

One person every minute experiences domestic abuse equating to 90 people for every game, a statistic Cheshire Police is highlighting so people know they are not alone and can come forward to report it.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson said: "Events like the World Cup should be a competitive but fun time with everyone backing their favourite team.

"But a small percentage of fans use the games as an excuse to drink copious amounts of alcohol and while we encourage responsible drinking, Cheshire Police takes a zero tolerance to anyone who domestically abuses anyone they live with, be it under the influence or not.

"We take domestic abuse extremely seriously whatever the time of year and define it as any threatening behaviour or violence. It can be psychological, physical, sexual, verbal or emotional. We know it occurs in all sorts of families from all walks of life and impacts on children and other family members.
"We urge anyone who is a victim of any type of domestic abuse to come forward and report it. Cheshire Police works closely with our partner agencies to ensure support services are offered to any person suffering Domestic Abuse. We hope that this World Cup campaign reinforces the all year round message that domestic abuse in any form is not acceptable."

To contact your local domestic abuse unit call the Cheshire Constabulary on 0845 458 0000. In an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life or property, always call 999.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• cheshire police
• domestic abuse
• world cup
• world cup domestic abuse