Domestic abuse accountability warning during Euros

A police force has vowed to hold perpetrators of domestic abuse "accountable" for their actions, with reports expected to rise in Lincolnshire during Euro 2024.

Lincolnshire Police said help and support was available for those who felt a "sense of foreboding" ahead of the tournament.

When England played during Euro 2020, the force said it saw a 12% increase in reported incidents on the day of the match and the day after.

"Neither a game of football nor the alcohol you consume excuse or explain abusive behaviour in any way," Det Ch Insp Rachael Cox said.

The tournament, being held in Germany, runs until 14 July, with England's opening match against Serbia taking place on Sunday night.

The officer, force lead for domestic abuse, continued: “For some, the anticipation of this tournament will bring an additional sense of foreboding - we want to reach those people with the message that we are here for you."

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Addressing those who use or threaten violence against their partners, she said: "We won’t hesitate to use our powers of arrest and seek domestic violence protection orders from the court to hold you accountable.”

The force said it had partnered with the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) and the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership to show the support available.

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