- 5 updates
Domestic violence set to soar during World Cup
Police across the UK have set up specialist units to deal with the expected rise in domestic assaults and abuse as the World Cup tournament kicks off in Brazil. Research shows the threat of violence in the home increases when England play.
Live updates
Refuge: Domestic violence happens all year round
Refuge chief executive Sandra Horley said it was important to recognise that domestic abuse happens every day of the year, and is not caused by football.
Read: Domestic abuse 'incidents up 38% when England lose'
Speaking as a police forces across the UK launched campaigns encouraging victims to speak out, she said:
"It's important to be clear - football does not cause domestic violence. Lots of men who abuse women have no interest in sport whatsoever, and many men who are avid football fans never lay a finger on their partners.
"Domestic violence happens all year round - whether the England football team is playing or not. [...]
"The police should be encouraging women to reach out for support every day of the year, not just during the World Cup."
Domestic abuse 'incidents up 38% when England lose'
Researchers at Lancaster University found that incidents of domestic abuse rose significantly during the World Cup tournament.
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.
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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.
For more information or to report abuse contact police on 101 or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 6367525.
Domestic violence set to soar during the World Cup
Police across the UK are preparing for an increase in domestic violence over the coming month as the World Cup tournament kicks off on Thursday.
Research suggests the threat of domestic violence increases significantly throughout the competition, particularly when England play.