Sussex Police launch pub campaign to tackle rise in domestic abuse during football events
The police have rolled out a new domestic abuse awareness campaign, in Sussex, during the FIFA World Cup.
In a bid to highlight the risk of increased domestic abuse reports during matches, new beer mats have been unveiled in Sussex bars and pubs.
“They’re there for a reason,” a Sussex Police social media post explained.
An accompanying photo showed one of the football-pitch style mats, with a QR code and the wording: ‘Crossed the line?’
The police added: “Rates of domestic abuse go up whether the England men's football team win or lose.
"For someone experiencing domestic abuse, asking for help can be incredibly difficult, which is why friends, family, neighbours, or even concerned strangers making a call to us can save lives.
"If you're worried about someone, trust your instincts and call us. You don't need proof – we will listen, and can stay anonymous if you want.
"You can report online or ring 101. In an emergency always call 999.”
Sussex Police signposted a link to its website, with more information on domestic abuse.
The website states: “Research shows domestic abuse reports can rise by 38 per cent when England’s men’s team lose, and 26 per cent when they win or draw, in an international football tournament – like the World Cup or the European Championship. (Lancaster University, 2014)
“During tournaments, our focus will primarily be on England games but we recognise our diverse communities may be focused on other matches.
“With this in mind, we will be carrying out planned activity in collaboration with community partners to help raise awareness, prevent harm and encourage reporting; ensuring people know how to access support throughout the tournament.”
Activity includes safeguarding visits to ‘potential high-risk victims’ of domestic abuse, as well as working with partners to ‘make sure safeguarding plans are in place and support is available’.