Stoke City: Domestic violence film at Britannia Stadium

Thousands of football fans have been shown a film about the effects of domestic violence.

A 90-second film featuring the voices of real victims from Newcastle-under-Lyme was played before kick-off and during half-time.

It was shown at the team's game against Queens Park Rangers at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

It will also be aired in Newcastle-under-Lyme pubs Revolution and Ikon throughout next week.

It is part of a campaign organised by Newcastle Safer Communities Partnership, Stoke-on-Trent Safer City Partnership and its partners.

The video describes the signs of domestic violence as victims, including a young girl, recall their experiences through a miming female actress.

White ribbons were worn by manager Tony Pulis and other club staff and domestic violence information also featured in the matchday programme.

Stephen Sweeney, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "Newcastle Safer Communities Partnership is committed to combating domestic violence in the borough by working successfully with partners to protect victims of all ages and tackling perpetrators.

"We want to raise awareness of this terrible crime in the hope more victims come forward to get help and stop suffering in silence."

A council spokesman said there were 408 incidents of domestic violence with injury in Stoke-on-Trent between April and October 2011 and 121 in Newcastle-under-Lyme.