Campaign against domestic violence during Six Nations Rugby

Source: NewsWales

Communities Minister Carl Sargeant has launched a campaign to tackle the increased levels of domestic violence that occur around the time of major sporting events such as the Six Nations rugby tournament.

The publicity campaign, which includes advertising on local radio stations and posters at Cardiff and Newport railway stations, promotes an anti-violence message and highlights the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline.

Carl Sargeant said:“The Welsh Government is determined to tackle all forms of domestic Abuse and Violence against Women. This heinous crime has no place in a modern society and can never be justified.

“As part of our 'Right to be Safe' strategy we are determined to raise public awareness of some of the most damaging and often hidden forms of violence in our communities and under the ‘Live Fear Free’ banner, we are working with stakeholders to challenge behaviour and ensure that victims know that there is no need to suffer in silence.”

Paula Hardy, Chief Executive of Welsh Women's Aid said: “We are proud to support the Welsh Government's campaign. Domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women at some point in their lives and kills two women every week in England and Wales.

79% Increase in Domestic Violence Incidents

“Evidence shows that the number of incidents reported to the police increases dramatically around the time of big matches - when Wales played England in Cardiff during the Six Nations tournament in 2009, South Wales Police recorded a 79% increase in domestic abuse incidents compared to the previous weekend.

Alcohol

“Much of this violence is blamed on increased alcohol consumption. But while alcohol can be a contributory factor in a relationship which is already abusive, it is not the root cause. Domestic abuse is an ongoing pattern of abusive behaviour adopted by one partner in an attempt to exert power and control over another.

“We will continue working closely with the Welsh Government and the Police to raise awareness, to protect victims, and to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Jukes of South Wales Police added: “We will not tolerate Domestic Abuse and officers will deal with this crime in a swift and robust manner making every effort to bring charges against offenders even on the occasions when there is no complaint made by the victim.

REPORT IT

“We would urge victims and witnesses to report any threatening, abusive or violent behaviour to the police or Crimestoppers, so that our specially trained police officers can support them by making them safe and bringing their attackers to justice.

“Alcohol commonly features in incidents of Domestic Abuse and this is the focus of our attention around sporting events. Our message is that Domestic Abuse is a serious crime that unfortunately goes on daily within our communities, and isn’t acceptable in any circumstances.”

Anyone affected by domestic abuse in Wales can call the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 for confidential, bilingual, 24-hour information and advice. In an emergency, always dial 999.