WOMEN and children may be at risk of domestic abuse during the up-coming European football championships, Avon and Somerset police have warned.
Drawing on experience from World Cup 2010, when the number of reported cases increased significantly after all of England's matches, the force has launched a campaign to protect wives, girlfriends and families in the Bristol area.
During the last World Cup, domestic abuse was a third higher than normal the day after England crashed out of the tournament, 4-1 to Germany.
And on the day after England's group matches against USA, Algeria and Slovenia, reported abuse rose by 22, 18 and 24 per cent respectively, despite the fact they did not lose any of those games.
During Euro 2012, which starts today and runs until July 1, posters and leaflets are being circulated in doctors' surgeries, community centres, shops and other public places giving details of a domestic abuse helpline.
Officers will also be visiting known households to offer help and support to victims and remind offenders how seriously they take domestic violence.
Detective Inspector Peter Highway, of the Public Protection Unit, said: "The figures for reported incidents of domestic abuse show an increase around significant football matches, but there are also a number of other factors that are likely to have contributed.
"It is also not necessarily watching football, or the success of the team, that is the key factor but the fact that alcohol is involved. The proportion of cases of domestic abuse where the offender has been drinking prior to the offence is extremely high.
"But no matter what the circumstances, there is no excuse for this kind of behaviour. We want to encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to report it to the police so that we can take positive steps to address it.
"Offences of this type are just as unacceptable at this time of year, as at any other time, and we will deal robustly with those who perpetrate this crime."
Next Link Domestic Abuse Service director Carol Metters said: "Unfortunately, this is something our organisation is very familiar with.
"Whether it is a club match or a national game, there is often an increase in people seeking help after the match.
"Not everyone who goes to or watches a football match is a perpetrator. But if a person has a predisposition for that kind of behaviour, they may find themselves in a football environment where they have very hyped up, emotional and often drink-fuelled feelings.
"They may be disappointed and experience a whole gamut of emotions that can be a recipe for domestic violence.
"They will often take it out on the easy victims – usually their partner or children."
Ms Metters advised people who may fear abuse to try to be out of the house at certain times, or make sure they are not in when a partner returns home after watching a match.
"It's really important that people are made aware of this kind of domestic abuse," she said. "The more this issue is raised, the better."
To report domestic abuse call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Next Link can be called on 0117 925 0680, and the independent domestic abuse freephone line is 0800 694 9999.
Source: http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Domestic-abuse-set-rise-Euro-2012/story-16311588-detail/story.html
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