Domestic Violence During The World Cup

10 June 2010, 06:00

The West Berkshire Domestic Abuse Forum is asking local people to blow the whistle on domestic abuse during the Football World Cup this summer.

For the first time, posters are being put up all over West Berkshire, and you'll hear Adverts on Heart too, highlighting that domestic abuse can be verbal, physical, emotional or sexual and can happen to anyone, female or male, in towns or villages.

It's thought that the emotional stress caused by important football matches, and the alcohol consumed during the game can increase the likelihood of violence taking place in an abusive relationship or between ex-partners.

Home Office figures show there was a twenty five per cent rise in abuse during the 2006 tournament, largely down to excessive drinking.

Extra training sessions are also being held for staff from organisations in the district including Thames Valley Police, Berkshire West NHS and the Council so they are even better to deal with reports of abuse.

The dedicated Forum website: www.domesticabusewb.org.uk  has details of all the support available whether you are being abused, have recently escaped an abusive partner, or if you know someone who is in one of these situations.