Annabel Hutchinson from Revolution, Mel Greaves the Harrogate District Community Safety Partnership, PCSO John Jacques and Simon Aston the Domestic Abuse Coordinator HDCSP

UK: Tackling increase in domestic abuse during EURO 2012

Source: Harrogate News

Statistics show that when England plays in a football tournament, the number of incidents of domestic abuse reported to the police increases.

The Harrogate and District Community Partnership is carrying out a high profile campaign during the Euro 2012 tournament to help victims and those who carry out domestic abuse.

The last World Cup Tournament had a real impact on domestic abuse levels within North Yorkshire. Dates when England played resulted in increased reporting. Levels on the day when England lost to Germany and exited the tournament were the highest in 2010 with almost twice as many reports as on any other day during the year.

Posters providing victims with the local support helpline telephone numbers will be displayed in prominent positions within a variety of locations. These posters are also aimed at those who carry out domestic abuse which is a criminal offence and could result in a prison sentence.

Simon Aston, Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator for Harrogate & Craven, said:

It’s vital we get this message across. It’s a shame that national sporting events result in a rise in domestic abuse but we hope that victims will use the helpline number to get advice and support and others might think twice before committing any form of abuse.

The Community Safety Partnership is also aware that alcohol consumption increases during major football tournaments and this can often lead to violent or anti-social behaviour.

The Partnership will be again carrying out a ‘SUBSTITUTE’ campaign to encourage drinkers to substitute an alcoholic drink for a drink of water. Over a thousand bottles of free water will be made available to customers in participating bars in Harrogate town centre.

Mel Greaves, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer for the Harrogate and District Community Safety Partnership, said:

We ran this campaign during the last football World Cup and the levels of violence and anti-social behaviour in Harrogate town centre did not increase.

Drinking water between alcoholic drinks has health benefits as well as reducing the number of calls made to the police and visits to A&E. Also people should be aware that customers can request and obtain free tap water in licensed premises. We would like to thank landlords who are supporting this campaign.

The Euro 2012 football competition starts on Friday and England’s first game is on Monday 11 June. The Community Safety Partnership will be delivering free bottles of water to customers in Revolution, Pitcher and Piano, The Alexendra, Christies, Wetherspoons and the Muckles during the game. This will be repeated on Friday 15 June and Tuesday 19 June when England play their other games.

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