A campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse has been launched in Gwynedd and Ynys Môn ahead of this year’s Six Nations Rugby Championship.
Funded by both Community Safety Partnerships, the campaign will aim to deter perpetrators of domestic abuse, warning them that police can and will take prompt action, and will also encourage those who are suffering abuse to seek the additional help and support available.
As part of the campaign, additional specialist officers will be on duty during key match times supported by domestic abuse specialists from partner agencies. Posters are also being distributed to licensed premises and sporting clubs throughout the western division by the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and special messages regarding the campaign will also be shared via Bluetooth technology.
“We recognize that domestic abuse takes many forms, not just physical assault but can also include emotional, sexual, verbal and psychological abuse. Whilst domestic abuse happens all year round, it is recognized that during certain major sporting events incidents increase because people are drinking more,” said Detective Inspector Brian Kearney from the Western Public Protection Unit of North Wales Police.
“Whilst we know that over the coming weeks the majority of people will be out to have a good time, there are always those who will unfortunately behave in a threatening, violent or abusive manner.
“There is no excuse for domestic violence. It is a very serious crime and we are committed to bringing those people responsible to justice.”
He added: “We urge anyone who is a victim of any type of abuse to come forward and report it. Together, with our partners, we will support and help them.”
Kelly Mitchell, Gwynedd Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator said: “It’s a sad fact that one in every four women and one in six men in Wales and England will experience domestic abuse by their partner or ex-partner at some time in their life.
“Research shows that 39% of domestic abuse cases involve alcohol and sadly research shows that during major sporting events incidents of domestic abuse increase because people are drinking more.
“This is why we are determined to use this time to raise awareness about the problem and appeal to everyone to enjoy the tournament but not to take out any frustration on their partners and children.”
Anne St Paul, Chair of the Ynys Môn Domestic Abuse Forum said “We support any pro-active initiative to tackle any kind of domestic abuse, and we are pleased that the Home Office have agreed to support the Community Safety Partnerships to provide additional capacity to the police to respond to domestic abuse incidents during this sporting event.”
A spokesman on behalf of Welsh Women’s Aid said: “Welsh Women’s Aid supports any campaign highlighting the number of people experiencing domestic abuse in Wales and increasing the support for victims.
“One in four women in Wales has been a victim of domestic abuse by their partner or ex-partner at some point in their lifetime, but on average a woman is abused 35 times before contacting the police.
“The calls received by the Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is managed by Welsh Women’s Aid, have not risen significantly on the days when there are big sporting events. However, this does not mean that domestic abuse incidents are not on the increase during this time, when there is a likelihood of increased alcohol consumption. Welsh Women’s Aid would point out that alcohol is by no means an excuse for domestic abuse, if there are already issues and tensions within a domestic relationship then they can be exacerbated with alcohol.”
Abuse and violence in the home is never acceptable under any circumstances. There is help and support available through the 24-hour domestic abuse helpline. There is no need to suffer in silence. The 24-hour Wales Domestic Abuse helpline can be contacted on 0808 80 10 800.
In an emergency always dial 999. If you would like to speak to a member of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team please contact North Wales Police on 101.
