The District Council urges residents to speak up against domestic abuse

As the excitement for this year’s World Cup builds and everyone wants to enjoy this time, it is important for residents to be aware of the troubles this type of event can bring some people, and how to help.

Football is not the cause of domestic abuse, however, environments involving high emotions, and an increase of alcohol consumption, can sometimes lead to violent or abusive behaviour. Studies have shown that domestic abuse reports increase by 38% when England lose a match, and it is vital for victims to know support is available.

The District Council is supporting the Crimestoppers campaign and asking residents to speak up if they are experiencing abuse or know someone who could be suffering.

Calls to Crimestoppers are 100% anonymous, and they will pass on information to the relevant police force who, with partners, may be able to intervene away from the abuser to check on the potential victim. Other support is available on their website, such as how to spot the warning signs and contact information for local support in your area. 

The support for the campaign comes at the beginning of the District Council’s new campaign to target violence towards women and girls. As part of the Safer Streets 4 project, Newark and Sherwood District Council is working with partners from Nottinghamshire Police and the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner to reduce this type of behaviour. Funding from the scheme will go towards a variety of measures including targeted training sessions for workers in the night-time economy and educating and raising awareness about cocaine use.

Councillor Roger Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner, Safer, Greener, at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is important for anyone suffering domestic abuse to know they are not alone, and that support, even if they want to remain anonymous, is available to them.

“The high emotions and alcohol consumption experienced around events like the World Cup are also common during the Christmas period and at difficult times such as the cost-of-living crisis we are currently experiencing. These events can cause an increase of abusive behaviour, so it is vital that we all play our part in noticing and reporting any incidents so we can support vulnerable people in our communities however we can.”

The Home Office’s Safer Streets fund is aimed at projects to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour and prevent violence against women and girls. The District Council is working with Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Nottinghamshire Police, and Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership to deliver the package of measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, including security gating, secure doorway entry systems, and improved street lighting.

Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “Domestic violence has a wide-ranging impact and it’s vital that we are united as one team in calling it out whenever we see it. I would encourage anyone to say something, tell someone, offer support or even provide a diversion to help a victim.

“The Safer Streets fund is one way we are finding innovative ways to prevent violence against women and girls who are affected by it. We have also recently secured £1m from the Government to help children affected by domestic abuse, and we fund a range of support services to help our diverse communities across Nottinghamshire.”

If you have experienced domestic violence or abuse, please call the Nottinghamshire domestic and sexual violence helpline on 0800 800 0340. This phone line is open 24/7.

Inspector Matthew Ward, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I strongly encourage those who are subject of Domestic Abuse and those who witness or suspect the abuse of another to report this to us as a matter of urgency. The effects of Domestic abuse are long lasting and have a detrimental effect on those associated with the victim, such as children and vulnerable persons. Persons can suffer for many years before seeking help due to many factors including fear, we need to break the cycle of abuse.”

In an emergency, always call 999. If it’s not an emergency and you’d prefer your call to stay anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To find out more about support available or how to spot the signs of domestic abuse visit the Crimestoppers website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/personal-safety/domestic-abuse.

Further information about local support available for Newark and Sherwood residents can be found on our website.