Police braced for domestic abuse increase during World Cup 2018
POLICE IN West Yorkshire are urging people with anger issues to seek help as officers prepare for a potential spike in domestic abuse linked to the World Cup.
The force yesterday said it had seen increases in incidents during the Euro 2016 tournament and other major sporting events, particularly during key games or matches that fall on weekends.
On the day of the first England game during Euro 2016, police were called to 185 domestic abuse incidents compared to 152 incidents on the previous Saturday.
There were 204 reports of domestic abuse made to the force on the day of the final match between Portugal and France.
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Sporting events such as the World Cup should be an opportunity to come together in celebration – or even commiseration – but they should never be a backdrop for domestic abuse. Unfortunately, traditionally we have generally seen an increase in reports of domestic abuse during major sporting events.
“Behind every single incident of domestic abuse is not only a victim but also an offender who is risking losing everything – and these are the people we are targeting as part of this campaign.”
She urged anyone who knows they have anger issues or a controlling personality to seek help now to address their behaviour.
“If they don’t and find themselves a perpetrator of domestic abuse then it may be too late to save their relationship, their family, their career and their freedom,” she said.
“We will not tolerate domestic abuse and will take decisive action against anyone who uses physical or mental abuse to control, coerce or harm a member of their family.”
Arrests operations are also taking place in the build-up to the tournament, with officers targeting people wanted for domesticabuse offences.
The operations and responses to calls have resulted in 247 people being arrested between May 29 and June 3, the force said.