Domestic Abuse perpetrators warned taking out frustrations during the Euros won’t be tolerated

The Euros can be an exciting and emotional roller-coaster, especially for England. No matter who you follow and how well or badly your country performs, taking out your frustrations or emotions on those around you will not be tolerated.

For many people, watching matches, having a drink, and cheering on the team will only ever mean just that.

But some people will be living in fear of violence and anger both when out and at home.

Wiltshire Police recognises that football doesn’t cause domestic abuse.

However, it’s known that it does create more opportunities for people to enjoy an increased amount of alcohol, which can lead to an increase in domestic abuse. This can be more severe around key matches, and Wiltshire Police are asking friends and family about potential domestic abuse victims to look out for them.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Thorne, lead for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Wiltshire Police, said: “Football brings people together in their desire to see their team succeed. But sadly, what’s often unseen and away from the pitch, is the increase of domestic abuse offences that are reported during football tournaments.

“I want to be really clear; domestic abuse is a force wide priority all year-round but sadly we do know that there is an increase in domestic incidents during major football tournaments.

“We want everyone to enjoy the football, but we will not stand by while people are abused at home or while out for the night and all too often we see a passion for football turn to aggression towards the mainly women and girls in their lives.”

“As a police force, we focus on domestic abuse all year round but football tournaments like the Euros are always a time to amplify that focus and harder on our perpetrators.

“These are the times when we see a tangible spike and we are ready to act.”

For support:

Fearfree 01225 775276 or if out of hours call 01225 712880 Monday to Friday between 5pm to 8am and available 24 hours at the weekend – find more info: FearFree – Local Support for Domestic Abuse

Fearfree Help to Change for perpetrators – Email – spa@fearfree.org.uk / 01225 775 276 / www.fearfree.org.uk/helptochange

Refuge: 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

The Men’s Advice Line: for male domestic abuse survivors: 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)

The Mix; free information and support for under 25s in the UK: 0808 808 4994

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5423 (run by Galop)

Live Free from Fear Helpline: 0808 8010 800 (run by Welsh Women’s Aid this helpline supports men and women and provides support in English and Welsh)

Samaritans (24/7 service): 116 123

Open to Change Healthy Relationship Programme, its run by Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services –  01793864984 or O2c@swindonwomensaid.org