MP's concern over domestic violence during World Cup

WARRINGTON North MP and Shadow Home Office Minister, Helen Jones, is concerned that victims of domestic violence will not be able to access the support they need, after experts predict a rise in the number of incidents during the World Cup.
Every four years, during the tournament, incidents of domestic violence increase dramatically.
Experts are predicting the same this year – and with police numbers cut and domestic abuse services diminished, Helen Jones (pictured) is concerned that victims will not have access to support.
She said: “The vast majority of football fans are law-abiding citizens who would not dream of using violence or abuse towards anybody. Unfortunately, there are a minority casting a shadow over what should be a time of sporting celebration.
“During the last World Cup, domestic violence shot up by about a third each time England played. Since then, the cuts imposed by government have meant about 10,000 police officers have been axed and many domestic violence support services are at crisis point. If we see domestic abuse rise during this tournament, as we have before, will these services be able to cope?”
A study of the 2010 World Cup carried out by the University of East London showed that, when England beat Slovenia 1-0, domestic violence increased by 27.7 per cent. When England lost 4-1 to Germany, it shot up by 31.5 per cent.
Many police forces are preparing for a spike in domestic violence offences. Cheshire Police are putting more officers on the street and paying known domestic abusers a visit to warn of the repercussions if they offend again.
Ms Jones said:
“It’s wonderful to see that Cheshire Police are setting the precedent and taking a proactive approach. Yet in many parts of the country the government’s actions mean we’ve lost specialist domestic abuse police officers and fewer offenders are prosecuted. I have serious concerns about where this will leave victims.”