Police in Cumbria are stressing there is no excuse for domestic abuse ahead of the World Cup – as officers continue to enhance measures to tackle offenders and protect potential victims.
In previous years, there has been an increase in reports of domestic abuse during major football tournaments, when alcohol-fuelled nights out and inflamed emotions arise.
Officers have been planning for this possibility for some time and are keen for those who suffer such offences to know help and support is available.
Measures are in place for what is expected to be a busy period for pubs as the World Cup kicks off tomorrow.
England play their first match on June 17 against Croatia, with Scotland starting their campaign earlier against Haiti on June 14.
Visible patrols will be out in the main nightlife areas of the county at peak times.
On top of this, various other tactics, resources and working methods are being utilised to help provide help to victims and tackle offending.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Taylor, who works in Public Protection at Cumbria Police, said: “Let’s be clear: football is not a cause of domestic abuse – but environments involving high emotions and alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to violent or abusive behaviour.
“We want anyone who is following the football this summer to enjoy it. Events such as these can see the country come together in what we hope will be an exciting tournament.
“But we want to see the beautiful side of the game; not the ugly results of people losing their tempers and taking out their frustrations on loved ones.
“Domestic abuse and protecting vulnerable people are priorities for us all-year-round – what we are doing during this tournament is enhancing our response at a time we know could lead to more reports.”
Officers want people to know there is support available and they don’t have to suffer in silence.
Those who commit abuse are also encouraged to face up to their responsibilities and seek help.
DCI Taylor said: “Nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse – and if you’re scared, there is help out there.
“Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is a key priority for us.
“We take reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.
“If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you.
“Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us.”
Operation Vigilant
Specialist police patrols will be out on-the-beat in Cumbria during the World Cup - to offer reassurance and prevent offending in busy nightlife areas.
High-visibility officers are out at peak times as part of the work that usually goes on to protect the public during a busy time of the year.
And while officers work to protect everyone, one of the key factors will be preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG), which is a force priority.
As a result there will be dedicated Operation Vigilant patrols.
These are a blend of uniform officers and plain clothed officers who identify early those displaying predatory or unacceptable behaviour in the night-time economy, focussing on hot spots where violence against women and girls might take place.
Operation Redefine
The operational response will also include post arrest investigations and safeguarding of victims. Trained officers can also make referrals to other agencies to put abusers on a path to change their ways.
This process includes enhanced support to victims due to the individual cases receiving extra scrutiny and a response involving various agencies, who can offer different help.
Operation Redefine will offer guidance to those under arrest for offences linked to domestic abuse during the World Cup.
Referrals will be provided to external agencies to help with changing their behaviour to prevent further offending.
This operation was previously run during Euro 2024.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), from Victim Support, will be co-located in the police force Command and Control room from Thursday – Sunday, 4pm until midnight, to offer immediate support to anyone in need and identify callers in crisis.
Embedding Independent Domestic Violence Advisors in the control room has strengthened the force’s ability to respond to victims at the most critical moment.
This ensures those experiencing domestic abuse receive expert, trauma-informed support from the very first contact, alongside an operational response.
Breaking the cycle of abuse
High-risk offenders are being targeted – and their victims protected – with the launch of a new multi-agency set-up to help people suffering domestic abuse in Cumbria.
Police and other agencies have implemented new processes providing greater focus on those persistently carrying out abuse and those behind the most harmful cases.
The Drive Project in Cumbria is a police led, multi-agency process tackling Cumbria’s highest risk, repeat domestic abuse perpetrators.
It is a national way of working aiming to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors by disrupting, challenging and, importantly, changing the behaviour of perpetrators who cause so much harm to their victims and the wider community.
Drive is being expanded across the whole of England and Wales, forming an integral part of the Government’s strategy to reduce violence against women and girls by 50 per cent in 10 years – and has now been implemented in Cumbria.
The key features of the Drive Project model include the combination of intensive one-to-one case management to challenge and change perpetrator behaviour - and a coordinated multi-agency response that can include approaches that seek to disrupt opportunities for abuse to occur.
All work with perpetrators is underpinned by the core mission of increasing both the immediate and long-term safety of adult and child victim-survivors.
Support services
Police are keen to stress the range of support services available.
DCI Taylor added: “Getting the right support can empower someone to take their next positive step forward.
“There is a whole wealth of support services available in Cumbria. As the police, we can help you access these support services.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The World Cup is a fantastic event that brings people together from all over the world.
“However, we sadly do see a rise in domestic abuse during major events such as this so we need to put the support in place to tackle this.
“There is never an excuse to abuse your partner, parents, children or anyone else – if you do, you will face the consequences.
“I would urge anyone that experiences domestic abuse to contact the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency – they are there to help you.
"However, I understand that this isn’t the best option for some, so if you still want help but do not want to report to the police, I commission Victim Support Cumbria to help.
"Victim Support Cumbria provides tailored support to help you cope and recover from the trauma and, if you do decide to report to the police, they will help you through the justice process. They can be contacted 24/7 on 08 08 16 89 111.
“As I said, this is an exciting event. However, if we do win or lose, please remember that at the end of the day, it’s just a game and no one deserves to feel unsafe in their own home due to a game of football.
“It’s a community effort to make our county safer for everyone so please enjoy the World Cup safely.”
Victim Support Cumbria
Victim Support Cumbria can offer tailored support around any crime type that someone has experienced and can signpost to other services.
They can be contacted 24/7 on 08 08 16 89 111 and more information can be found at www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria.
Anyone needing support does not have to report the crime to the police to get help from Victim Support.
How do you report domestic abuse to police?
If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, you can report this by calling 101.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
You can get more advice about domestic abuse here: Advice about domestic abuse | Cumbria Police
How do I access a range of support services?
You can access support services regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police.
As well as Victim Support, you can go to: cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/victim-service/