This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
During the World Cup 2014, a number of volunteers gave up their time to help victims of domestic abuse. Volunteers accompanied police officers to incidents of domestic abuse and spoke to victims giving them advice and information regarding the services available to them.
During the four week period (14 June – 13 July) Aurora New Dawn received 93 referrals, treble the number compared to the same period last year. Aurora New Dawn provided a 24 hour helpline service during the World Cup period.
Three victims left the perpetrator immediately after the incident when a volunteer accompanied a police officer.
Funded by the Police Commissioner
The project was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and was coordinated by Aurora New Dawn. Volunteers from a number of domestic abuse services across the county took part in the scheme.
Shonagh Dillon, Chief Executive Officer at Aurora New Dawn LTD said:
“There is considerable international evidence to suggest a link between sport and violence against women of different kinds. The increase in alcohol consumption that accompanies major sporting events such as football’s World Cup means that there is a spike in incidents of abuse during these events.
“With this funding from the police and crime commissioner Aurora New Dawn were able to manage this peak in incidents across the county and support more victims and survivors.”
Feedback from victims who were visited by a volunteer during the scheme included:
“I left the relationship that night and have not made contact since.”
“She made my experiences seem human. She helped me see that I was experiencing domestic abuse – something I did not believe before.”
“I feel more positive because the volunteer was positive.”
Commitment to tackling domestic abuse
Hampshire Constabulary’s Superintendent Ben Snuggs said:
“I believe that the joined up work with Aurora New Dawn and other local organisations demonstrates our overwhelming commitment to tackling domestic abuse. Those who sought help and support during the World Cup act as a real encouragement to others and show that people do not need to suffer in silence. Victims of domestic abuse need our support and together we can all make a difference.
“The Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme is also now in place if you believe that you or someone you know is at risk of abuse from a partner or former partner. This formal way of asking the police for information is being used across the force area to help people make good decisions about their relationships and keep people safe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Simon Hayes said:
“It is extremely worrying that occasions that should be fun and enjoyable for everyone can, for some, be a time of fear and anxiety because of abuse. I am really encouraged by the reassurance felt by victims of domestic abuse during the World Cup period with the presence of an independent support worker alongside the police.
“Partnership working is crucial to delivering the service victims and their families need. To a victim the experience of getting this support should feel simple and straightforward through the continuity of a joined up response by all those responsible for tackling domestic abuse. I remain committed to funding initiatives that encourage this approach across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.”
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Domestic abuse may, and often does include a range of abusive behaviour, not all of which may be violent.
One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse at some point in their life
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse Speak Out Today, call 101 to report it. In an emergency always call 999.
Clare’s Law
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme was introduced across the UK in March 2014 following a pilot in four force areas during which more than 100 people were provided with potentially life-saving information.
Otherwise known as Clare’s Law, it was developed following the death of Clare Wood who was murdered by her former boyfriend in Salford in 2009.
Find out more about Clare’s Law.
Image: paulisson_miuraunder CC BY 2.0
