The Braintree District Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which is made up of a number of partners including Braintree District Council, Essex Police and social housing providers such as Eastlight, Peabody Trust and Havebury Housing Partnership, is raising awareness in order to try and prevent an increase in domestic abuse incidents during the World Cup 2022 and into the Christmas period.
Football tournaments such as the World Cup and the Christmas season often see a spike in domestic abuse incidents which can be due to increased drinking. November and December also see the national domestic abuse campaigns ’16 Days of Action’ and ‘White Ribbon Day’ take place.
Braintree District Community Safety Partnership’s campaign is aiming to target perpetrators of Domestic Abuse in the hope that they will consider their drinking and their behaviour by seeking help via The Change Project. The Change Project aims to break the cycle of domestic abuse in order for perpetrators to realise their abusive behaviour and make a change, to prevent it in the future.
‘Show domestic abuse the red card’ will be displayed on posters and drink coasters in pubs throughout the district to target perpetrators heading to local pubs to watch the games.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “While many of us are excited about the World Cup, unfortunately there is a link between increased incidents of domestic abuse when England play. It can be a terrifying time for victims, therefore it’s important to raise awareness of domestic abuse and make perpetrators reconsider their behaviour and seek help.”
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow at Essex Police said: “Domestic abuse is a force wide priority all year-round but sadly we do know that there is an increase in domestic incidents during major football tournaments.
“We are determined to use all powers at our disposal to protect victims of domestic abuse. Domestic Abuse Prevention Notices and Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders are just some of the effective tools in our kit.
“Our priority is clearly to secure justice for victims, and ensure their safety and, when appropriate, to put offenders in front of the courts. But using the orders available to us prior to any charges being secured will ensure victims remain protected even before a perpetrator is convicted.
“If you’re worried about your own behaviour and have noticed yourself acting aggressively towards other people, you also have a responsibility to help your family members or partner and change your behaviour. Please seek help through us or our partners before it gets out of control.”
Victims of domestic abuse can seek help through The Essex Compass Project via www.essexcompass.org.uk/ or calling 0330 333 7444.
