Hospital puts up domestic abuse signs amid Euros

The signs urge people to call 999 if they are experiencing domestic abuse

Signs offering advice for victims of domestic abuse during the Euro 2024 football championships have been put up at Hull Women and Children's Hospital.

Research from Warwick Business School has shown an increase in domestic abuse during major football events.

The signs read "there's no excuse for domestic abuse" and urge people to "always call 999 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger".

The signs have been placed in the hospital's gynaecology outpatients department and early pregnancy unit as well as on the back of toilet doors.

Hull Women and Children's Hospital is located on Anlaby Road

Warwick Business School studied crime data from West Midlands Police over a ten year period and found that reported cases of alcohol-related domestic abuse rose by 47 per cent on days when the men’s England side won a World Cup or European Championship match.

Clinical support worker Tracey Walker has supported patients experiencing domestic violence at Hull Women and Children's Hospital in the past three years as part of her role.

She said: "We want to offer our patients the best possible care and we know that domestic violence can increase when patients are pregnant and when we have major football events.

"We’ve introduced these boards in the departments and given information in time for the Euros starting on Friday so our patients know we can help them."

Ms Walker added: "Our hospitals are a safe space for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, somewhere where they can feel safe to speak to us, talk about what’s been happening or get help from community services."