Do you dread the football season?
A multi-agency team tasked with tackling domestic abuse in Warwickshire is urging victims to come forward – and not suffer in silence during the new football season.
The reminder from ‘Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse’ comes as watching sporting events like these is often linked to high alcohol consumption – this is a factor in around half of all cases of domestic abuse.
There are around 3,500 reported cases of alcohol-related domestic abuse in Warwickshire every year with numbers notably increasing over the summer months and at Christmas.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is, there are a number of agencies who can offer information and support about what to do next.
‘Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse’ has recently launched the ‘talk2someone’ campaign - http://www.talk2someone.org.uk. It aims to encourage victims to talk to someone they trust by increasing the support and information available to victims, their friends and family, young people and perpetrators.
A free helpline is also available as part of the campaign - 0800 408 1552, available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm Saturday – which will give information and direct you to the appropriate service for further guidance.
However, if you are in immediate danger contact Warwickshire Police by dialling 999 - don’t put yourself or your family at risk. Warwickshire Police can also be contacted on 01926 415000.
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Victims of domestic abuse should not feel they have to suffer in silence. It is important that they talk to someone they trust who could help end the cycle of abuse.
“Warwickshire County Council’s involvement in ‘Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse’ highlights our commitment to protecting the community and making the county an even safer place to live.”
DI Roy Wheelwright from Warwickshire Police said: "Research shows us that domestic abuse is about “control” and it may start with emotional abuse, but it can soon escalate.
“As the victims confidence becomes lower the abuse becomes worse until the victim can not see a way out - and that’s what the abuser wants. But there is a way out, in fact there are many ways out and it starts by just being able to talk to someone.
"By working together as Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse we hope that victims can feel more confident in coming forward to seek information or help.
Victims, friends and family and all those affected by domestic abuse now have more ways than ever of finding out about the full range of services available to support them."
Support is also available for those inflicting the abuse to help them to change their behaviour. If you are worried about how alcohol can affect your behaviour towards others, support available from the Community Alcohol Service.