DRAW A LINE UNDER DOMESTIC ABUSE THIS WORLD CUP - ST HELENS

There were more than 25,000 reported cases of domestic abuse across Merseyside last year.  During the last World Cup, between June 9, 2006 and July 9, 2006, there was a 21 per cent rise in the number of incidents of domestic abuse in St Helens compared to the same period the following year.

Of the 94 offences in 2006, 53 involved alcohol compared to 75 incidents in 2007, with 44 of those involving alcohol.
 
Officers are urging victims and their families to draw a line under domestic abuse this World Cup by reporting any incidents of abuse to police and other support agencies.

A domestic abuse enforcement operation will be in place throughout the event to increase the potential of offenders being brought to justice and to support victims.

Specially trained domestic abuse officers will be on patrol across St Helens at key times during the World Cup.

The dedicated officers will be focusing on streets that have been identified as hot spot areas for domestic abuse by police and partner agencies.

They will attend reports of domestic abuse in a specialist domestic abuse vehicle equipped with forensic examination kits and will provide expertise in the investigation of each case as well as giving vital support to victims and their families to ensure they are given every opportunity to break the cycle of domestic abuse.

Support will also be available to help offenders reduce the possibility of re-offending with drug and alcohol intervention programmes on offer to them.  

Chief Inspector Val Powell said: "Domestic abuse is a very real problem and we will not let abusers keep their crimes hidden behind closed doors.

"Domestic abuse can take many guises and can be physical, psychological, sexual, financial or emotional.

"We want victims, their families, friends and neighbours to recognise when abuse is taking place and know that help is available to those involved via a range of support agencies from the point they report it and any subsequent court proceedings.

"Working together with our partners, we are wholly committed to reducing incidents of domestic abuse across Merseyside, increasing the number of arrests and bringing those responsible to justice.

"Victims are not to blame and should not suffer in silence. We urge anyone who needs help and support to come forward and report abuse so we can take action against those responsible."

Across the county throughout the World Cup, Merseyside Police will be contacting all current victims who are being supported by MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference), targeting offenders, carrying out bail checks, visiting children on Police Protection Orders and in some cases, an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser will be accompanying officers to reports of domestic abuse to offer advice to victims.

Merseyside Police, St Helens Council and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partners are holding an awareness event in St Helens town centre on Saturday, June 12 from 11am before the second England game to highlight the support available to victims and their families.

People within the town centre will be asked to show their support for victims of domestic abuse by standing behind a red line, demonstrating the need to draw a line under domestic abuse.

Statistics reveal that domestic abuse increases around the time of high profile sporting events. This is often linked with the amount of alcohol consumed during such matches, either in the home or at pubs, and police are appealing to people to drink sensibly throughout the tournament so everyone can have a safe and happy World Cup.
Chief Inspector Powell added: "Alcohol-fuelled violence affects many people, including children who are often the silent victims. Nobody deserves to be a victim of this type of abuse and I urge anyone who is suffering from domestic abuse, or anyone who knows someone who is suffering from this sort of crime, to call us or support agencies at the earliest opportunity."

Merseyside Police will be working closely with St Helens Council during this time.

Cllr Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Safer Communities and Youth, said: "We're right behind this campaign to ensure everyone has a safe, trouble-free World Cup.

"Emotions will run high during the tournament, but that should never be an excuse for any kind of domestic violence."

Anyone wanting to report domestic abuse can do so by calling Merseyside Police, in confidence, on 0151 709 6010, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.