World Cup 2010 Domestic Violence Campaign

National research shows a clear link between alcohol consumption and domestic violence and the three Forces are using the tournament to target offenders and highlight the support available for victims.

Called "Kick Off", the campaign is promoting helplines for both victims and offenders. Hard-hitting posters showing a bloodied football and helpline numbers will be put up in shops, community centres and doctor's surgeries throughout the coming weeks.

Adverts highlighting the campaign will also be on the radio and the back of buses across the region.

Fold-out leaflets, containing advice and contact numbers for victims and perpetrators, will be distributed, particularly to shops and businesses that sell alcohol. The leaflet will also contain a World Cup fixture chart to encourage football fans to take one.

The worst offenders will get letters warning them against further trouble while extra officers specialising in domestic violence issues will be on duty around the time of key games.

Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said: "Domestic violence is an extremely serious issue and we want to send out the message to offenders that we won’t stand for it.

"We also want to encourage victims who have suffered domestic abuse to come forward and access the specialist support that they need."
Northumbria Police Temporary Chief Constable Sue Sim said: “We don't tolerate domestic violence at any time of year but want to highlight the issue at a time when some people may be drinking more as the World Cup gets underway.

"We already know that alcohol can be a factor in domestic violence but what should be a celebration for the country shouldn't become a time of misery for some.

"We're hoping this campaign will serve as a warning to potential abusers that violence of any kind will not be tolerated and we'll use all the powers we have to bring them to justice.

"Victims can also be assured we're committed to providing sympathetic and appropriate support and we're working with partners to make them more aware of the help that's readily available."

Durham Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Michael Banks said : "We recognise there is a tendency for incidents of domestic abuse to increase during high-profile sporting events such as the World Cup.

"We will be working with our partners in community safety throughout the campaign to prevent domestic violence, investigate it when it occurs and support victims.”

As well as promoting the support services available for victims, the force is also encouraging domestic violence offenders to seek help. They're being encouraged to contact the Respect phoneline on 0845 122 8609 - a helpline offering information and advice to people who are abusive towards their partners and want help to stop.

Support Networks in the Cleveland Police Area

Middlesbrough Women’s Refuge                                       01642 225969
Redcar & Cleveland Women’s Refuge                               01642 490677
Hartlepool Harbour Refuge                                                  01429 277508
Stockton Harbour Refuge                                                    01642 553323                                 
Victim Support                                                                      01642 726008
NSPCC                                                                                  01642 856400
WSN   (Women’s Support Network)                                   01642 822331
My Sister’s Place      Middlesbrough (female victims)      01642 241864
Eva Redcar & Cleveland (female victims)                         01642 490677