#StopitChangeit Euro2016 Tournament
North Wales Police is launching the #StopitChangeit campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse, during the Euro 2016 tournament.
The campaign is focused on recognising the issue and getting protection and support to victims. It is also acknowledged that some perpetrators may recognise in their own behaviour an issue that they would like to address.
Euro 2016 has started and the tournament will bring hope, excitement, tension, celebration, frustration and disappointment. But for some, the post-match experience will present another opportunity for an abusive family member to inflict violence and fear.
North Wales Police Strategic Domestic Abuse Officer George Howat said: “This is a special tournament for the whole country as well as those from other countries involved who make up our diverse communities. We want everyone to enjoy it, have fun and support the team of their choice in a responsible way.”
“During such large scale sporting events we regrettably sometimes see an increase in cases of domestic abuse. Alcohol intake is no excuse for any criminal or abusive behaviour but a minority of people will consume too much alcohol and abuse their partner or someone they live with. We will deal robustly with domestic abuse offenders.”
“Domestic Abuse remains an under-reported crime, and our officers will take a firm stance in dealing with offenders at all times. During the tournament, we will be responding to the potential for abuse to increase with additional measures that include;
- Encouraging all sections of our communities not to be ‘by-standers’ to Domestic Abuse and to encourage and support victims who experience it, to report it to police.
- Using analysis and intelligence to identify those offenders who are serial perpetrators and target them.
- Additional police officers and domestic abuse specialist working at key times before, during and after matches.
- Strengthening the current safety measures for those victims who are most at risk.
- Working closely with partners in prosecuting offenders and helping victims to get support they need.
We recognise domestic abuse takes many forms not just physical assault but can include emotional, sexual, verbal and psychological abuse too.
Any victims of abuse, who take the courageous step of reporting to police, can count on our positive action. All victims of domestic abuse who report incidents to police are offered opportunities for further longer term professional support and intervention from ourselves and our partners in both the statutory and voluntary sector if they wish it. We urge anyone who is a victim of any type of domestic abuse, or anyone who knows someone who is being abused, to come forward and report it and support the victim, to enable us to protect and support them.
Those people who do bully, threaten and assault loved ones will be dealt with quickly and firmly and should be aware that victims do not have to make a complaint – we will investigate and evidence gather to convict those caught.
“With the #StopitChangeit campaign we want to reinforce our all year message that domestic abuse in any of its forms is criminal and is not acceptable. If you need support, ask for it. If you witness it, then report it. We can all play our part to protect others in our family, workplace, or community. My advice is don’t be a bystander to something that research shows us can escalate quickly to tragic outcomes!”
If you suffer from or witness any form of domestic abuse please report it on 101 or if you are in immediate danger dial 999.
Useful numbers include:
Victims – Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 8010800 (24 hours)
Perpetrators – Choose 2 Change – 0300 0032340
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