Police issue fresh warning over Euro 2024 after 999 calls ‘doubled’ during last World Cup
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
One of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, the Euros, kicked off just last week (14 June) and I'm sure many footie fans have been eagerly tuning into the matches every day since.
However, the extremely abhorrent reality is that, during such football tournaments, we have seen time and time again a rise in domestic abuse.
And, responding to the chilling statistics, police have now issued a fresh warning over Euro 2024 after 999 calls ‘doubled’ during the last World Cup.
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In an official press release, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) outlined its 'national strategy', setting out a 'proactive police response' to both support victims and target perpetrators.
NPCC has developed the strategy, produced by the UK’s Football Policing Unit, in order to help forces combat an ‘expected rise’ in domestic abuse during the Euros this summer.
The strategy, which has been sent to all police forces in England and Wales, highlights the need for a 'proactive, multi-agency approach' to safeguard victims and pursue perpetrators.
Namely, it focuses on:
- Intelligence gathering across football banning orders and serial domestic abusers to identify victims who could be most at risk and target the highest harm offenders in communities.
- Joint patrol cars during key match fixtures, teaming officers with Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs), to provide an effective response to incidents.
- A victim-focused approach to safeguarding and investigations, including the use of protective orders.
- Pre-emptive case file building for known suspects to expedite arrests, investigations and charges where possible.
The press release states that while football does not cause domestic abuse, there are 'several factors' which are thought to exacerbate abusive behaviour during football tournaments, including the increased and prolonged consumption of alcohol around matches.
Speaking at New Scotland Yard last Friday (14 June), Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Domestic Abuse, said: "It is an incredibly sad reality that football tournaments mean an increased risk of domestic abuse for many victims across the UK."
She also referenced the findings made by Sussex Police during the 2022 World Cup, which showed that 999 calls relating to domestic abuse 'doubled' during match days, adding: "I’m keen to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are aware of the support available to them, encouraged to report to police, and that every perpetrator is held to account.
"Domestic abuse makes up 11 percent of all calls to emergency services. It’s more than 30 percent of violent incidents reported to the police.
"Domestic abuse is not a gendered crime, but women are disproportionately victims."
In the official press release, Rolfe added: "Football doesn’t cause abuse but we’ve seen, over many years, offending associated with alcohol consumption, violence and other destructive behaviours exhibited by a small number of fans and the intense emotional highs and lows of a tournament, all of which can act as a catalyst for pre-existing abuse.
"Our strategy will help forces prepare for this eventuality, working together with partner agencies to proactively target perpetrators and safeguard victims.
"We also know there are a number of additional factors such as the weather, which countries are playing and the time and day of the week when matches are scheduled that all have an impact on domestic abuse. A key part of our work is collecting data and learning so we can best protect victims.
"I want to encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to seek help early from either the police or a support service. We will be here around the clock, at the end of the phone to help you."
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, adds: "In many ways, high-profile football competitions are a unique opportunity for us to come together and feel real unity and camaraderie as we root for our team to win.
"However, for those women and children living with domestic abuse, major championships can leave them vulnerable to existing abuse becoming more severe and frequent.
"It is a sad reality that one in four women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime and it is vital that we, across society, are aware of when these dangers might increase and be on hand to help survivors escape and hold perpetrators accountable.
"We are pleased to be working with the National Police Chiefs' Council to raise awareness of this vital issue and come together to make sure women and children are safe throughout the UEFA Euro 2024 championship."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Rhiannon Ingle