Euro 2012: 'Zero Tolerance' to Abuse

15 June 2012, 15:30 | Updated: 15 June 2012, 15:41

As England prepare to play Sweden tonight, Norfolk police say they are adopting a 'zero tolerance' approach to domestic abuse and hate crime during the Euro 2012 football Championships.

They say any abusive behaviour on any level will not be tolerated – whatever the time of year and whatever the occasion.

Detective Inspector Ross McDermott of the Constabulary's Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit said: “It is crucial that victims of domestic violence come forward and report it. I can assure all victims that we treat all incidents of domestic violence very seriously and with sensitivity.

“We are committed to taking positive action against domestic abuse which includes supporting victims, ensuring a full risk assessment is carried out, conducting a vigorous investigation and charging and convicting the perpetrators.

"It takes a very courageous person to report domestic abuse – but by taking that first step, the victim is not only acknowledging that there is a problem but they are actively seeking help and ways to put a stop to it.”

They are also encouraging any victims to have the confidence to report it.

Aiming his message to victims DI McDermott said: "Please do not suffer in silence. There is confidential help available to you to get your life back on track. Our priority is to ensure victims and repeat victims get the help and support they need. With more people having that trust to report domestic violence we can protect the vulnerable and interrupt the cycles of horrific abuse that victims go through.”

"The critical thing is that when people realise that they are in trouble they get help as quickly as possible before it is too late. If you are being abused or know of someone in danger then please tell us or one of the support agencies who can give the necessary support. Don’t let every day become another day of abuse for you or someone you know."

Detective Inspector Ross McDermott

Norfolk has specially-trained domestic abuse officers who you can talk to in confidence and they can assist you. All victims and witnesses involved in cases going through the court process are referred to the Witness Care Unit; they provide a single point of contact until the court case is finished and will contact you, keep you informed about your case and arrange on-going support.