Domestic abuse soars

England’s World Cup woe sparks surge of incidents

POLICE saw a shocking rise in domestic abuse on the day Germany knocked England out of the World Cup.

Greater Manchester Police dealt with 353 incidents on June 27 when Rooney, Gerrard and co lost 4-1.

Apart from New Year’s Day, it was the highest number of incidents recorded in a day so far this year and is 15.7 per cent higher than the same day in June last year.

Figures released this week also show calls to the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline rose by 187 during June while England were still in the World Cup, compared with the number of calls received the previous month.

The helpline received 448 calls in May, while in June, when England played the USA, Algeria, Slovenia and Germany, 635 people got in touch.

For the first time, agencies across Greater Manchester have worked together to run a campaign during the World Cup urging victims of domestic abuse, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse to seek help and advice.

It is supported by Manchester City Council and the nine other Greater Manchester local authorities, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Public Health Network, Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline and voluntary organisations.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, GMP’s lead on domestic abuse, said: “The figures recorded by both ourselves and the helpline highlight the importance of this domestic abuse awareness campaign.

He added: “I am pleased at how many people have responded to the campaign so far and found the courage to come forward.

“Throughout the remaining period of the World Cup tournament and beyond, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure anyone affected by domestic abuse knows where to go to get the help and support they need.

“I also want to send a clear message to offenders that there is no excuse for domestic abuse at any time and we will look to ensure that those responsible are caught and brought to justice.”

A series of hard-hitting posters incorporating striking images of a football shirt, remote control and broken beer bottle with taglines such as “Blow the Whistle on Domestic Abuse” and “Being Controlled is Domestic Abuse” are being displayed in hospitals, doctor’s surgeries and pubs.

For more information about services available to help stop domestic abuse visit www.endthefear.co.uk .