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Plea to show domestic violence the red card during World Cup

Greater Manchester Police saw a 43 per cent increase in calls reporting domestic abuse following England's defeat in 2010.

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Domestic abuse 'incidents up 38% when England lose'

Research from the University of Lancaster showed the threat of violence increased whether England lost or won. Credit: Press Association

Researchers at Lancaster University found that incidents of domestic abuse rose significantly during the World Cup tournament.

Read: Domestic violence warning ahead of the World Cup

Levels of domestic abuse rose by 26% when England won or drew during the last three World Cups, while there was a 38% spike when the national team lost, the research found.

More: Domestic violence set to soar during the World Cup

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8-year-old in frantic 999 call to report domestic abuse

Police have released a recording of the moment an eight-year-old boy called 999 to tell them his mother was being battered by her partner.

Warning: You may find the contents of this video distressing

The call was released by Greater Manchester Police as part of the launch of a major campaign against domestic violence before the World Cup starts.

The boy can be heard pleading ‘help, help it’s my mum and dad’ as the woman screams for help in the background and another child can be heard crying.

Greater Manchester Police say they went to the scene but neither parent would give any information about the incident and said they did not want any police involvement.

Domestic violence warning ahead of the World Cup

Greater Manchester Police are urging the public to show domestic abuse the red card this World Cup.

The facts:

  • In 2010 GMP recorded 353 incidents the day England were knocked out
  • 5,897 emergency calls were made over that 24 hours
  • 43% up on what police would normally expect to receive

Partners the North West Ambulance Service recorded a 34 percent increase in the number of assaults after England were thrown out in the 2010 games.

It also saw a 21 percent increase in the number of 999 calls compared to the previous weekend that year.

In previous tournaments we have seen the combination of expectations, emotions, warm weather and alcohol consumption result in an increase in 999 calls for assaults.

We urge people to think first, drink sensibly and remain aware of their actions so they can enjoy the matches in good spirit and avoid harm to themselves and other people.

– Derek Cartwright, North West Ambulance Service

For more information or to report abuse contact police on 101 or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 6367525.

Warning to show domestic violence the red card

Reconstruction Credit: Jan-Philipp Strobel/DPA/Press Association Images

Greater Manchester police are urging the public to show domestic violence the red card during the world cup.

During the 2010 tournament officers saw a 43 per cent increase in calls reporting domestic abuse following England's defeat.

The North West Ambulance Service saw the number of assaults were also up by a third. Specialist officers will be on duty throughout the tournament.

Detective Chief Superintendent Vanessa Jardine from GMP's Public Protection Division, said

'We know from our own data that there was a spike in domestic incidents during the 2010 World Cup.

We want to make it clear to those offenders that this year's event as with any sporting event will not be used as a way of justifying such abusive behaviour.'

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