Warwickshire News Mine

The annual event offered an opportunity for local services to get together to look at the support they provide to victims and perpetrators of abuse and find out about new county projects.

The event was organised by the county council’s Domestic Abuse Manager, Sue Ingram. She said: “A key task of the day was to look at the impact the World Cup may have on levels of domestic abuse in the county, and ensuring the right support was in place for people who need help to break free from abusive relationships.

“National research has shown that the combination of heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption during major sporting events is linked to a rise in reported incidents. Of the 7000 reported cases of domestic violence reported to Warwickshire Police each year, around half involve alcohol so it is an important area to address.”

Throughout the tournament Warwickshire Police are undertaking activities to help protect people from harm. Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Jones from Warwickshire Police explained: “There will be an increased police presence around the county throughout the football competition. Additional staff in district Criminal Investigation Department and Major Investigation Unit have been put in place and specialist staff will be available on the days following the games to work with domestic abuse offenders and victims.

“There will be response vehicles in each district to attend domestic abuse incidents and gather evidence and specialist domestic abuse staff from police and partner agencies will visit those victims most at risk to ensure safety plans are providing the best protection for them.”

The event also celebrated the opening of a new women’s refuge in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area that will provide seven places for women including pregnant women and those with children under the age of 16.

Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, added: “The county council’s involvement in ‘Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse’ is part of our commitment to protecting the community and making the county an even safer place to live.

"Working together with our partners on joint initiatives and events like this allows us to do more to ensure people get all the support they need and I hope victims will feel confident in coming forward to seek information or help from us.”

For help with domestic abuse issues or to find out about the Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse partnership please visit http://www.talk2someone.org.uk or call the confidential Talk2Someone helpline 0800 408 1552.

In an emergency always dial 999.

Support is available for abusers to help them to change their behaviour. If you are worried about how alcohol can affect the way you treat other people, contact your local Community Alcohol Service on 02476 385688.

Link to WCC