Campaign aims to tackle domestic abuse during Euros

The campaign is part of a wider initiative by services in Kent and Medway that has been running since 2021

A campaign has been launched encouraging the public to "be extra vigilant" to the signs of abuse ahead of the Euro 2024 football tournament.

Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Services (KIDAS) and Medway Domestic Abuse Services (MDAS) are backing a the "Support #TheGoal: Know, See, Speak Out" initiative.

It follows a similar successful campaign during the 2022 World Cup.

Research by Lancaster University showed cases of abuse increased by 38% when England lost a match and 26% when they won or drew.

NSPCC research also found children faced a greater risk of domestic abuse during the World Cup.

"Laura", from Kent, experienced domestic abuse at the hands of a new partner and said noticing the abuse was "a really gradual thing".

"It would be him picking fights out of nowhere," she said. "He made all sorts of accusations and blew up; then called me aggressive when I didn't cower.

"He was financially abusive. He wanted to be in control."

'Speak out'

The public is being asked to familiarise themselves with the signs of abuse and feel comfortable speaking out and signposting potential victims to local support.

Kent County Council (KCC) said there was an "urgent need" to ensure domestic abuse victims know "what support is available and how to access it".

Ben Watts, White Ribbon Ambassador for KCC, said: "Domestic abuse can often go unnoticed and unreported, but we’re committed to changing this.

"We encourage everyone in our local communities - whether they’re a football fan or not - to be vigilant in recognising the signs and speak out against violence and abuse, and help direct victims to safety."

'Report abuse'

Lee-Anne Farach, deputy chief executive of Medway Council, added: "There is no place for domestic abuse and it is so important that we continue to raise awareness and make sure people know what support is on offer."

The 2024 European Championship, which is being held in Germany, starts on 14 June and ends on 14 July.

Ch Supt Simon Alland, from Kent Police, said while football is not the direct cause of domestic abuse, "it’s the behaviour around football such as increased alcohol consumption, which triggers an abuser’s behaviour".

He said the police would have "dedicated resources" on hand to respond to reports of abuse during key match days.

"We strongly encourage victims to report domestic abuse in the knowledge that they will be supported and protected," he said.

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