Cheshire Police is using this year’s World Cup tournament to highlight the support available to domestic abuse survivors with 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, 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 displayed in creches, doctors surgeries, pharmacies and libraries as well as the front desks in police stations, urging 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.”
When people call the police they won’t just get immediate protection they can also access local support to help with the damage that domestic abuse does to health, housing, finances, parenting, friendships and confidence.
Anyone concerned for themselves or someone they know can phone 01244 613532 in office hours or the national 24 hour helpline 0808 2000 247.
We also encourage abusers who want to change to access help before they end up in court. A quality programme, Lifeline, is available for men by contacting 01925 418430.
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.
