Tackling domestic abuse during World Cup

Cumbria police said there was no excuse for domestic violence during the World Cup.

In previous years, there has been an increase in reports of domestic abuse during major football tournaments, when alcohol-fuelled nights out and inflamed emotions arise.

The constabulary said its officers had been planning for this possibility for some time and were keen for those who suffered such offences to know help and support was available.

The World Cup kicks off tomorrow.

England play their first match on June 17 against Croatia, with Scotland starting their campaign against Haiti on June 14.

Visible patrols will be out in the main nightlife areas of the county at peak times.

Other tactics, resources and working methods are being used to help provide help to victims and tackle offending, the force said.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Taylor, who works in public protection at Cumbria police, said: “Let’s be clear: football is not a cause of domestic abuse – but environments involving high emotions and alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to violent or abusive behaviour.

“We want anyone who is following the football this summer to enjoy it.

“Events such as these can see the country come together in what we hope will be an exciting tournament.

“But we want to see the beautiful side of the game; not the ugly results of people losing their tempers and taking out their frustrations on loved ones.

“Domestic abuse and protecting vulnerable people are priorities for us all-year-round – what we are doing during this tournament is enhancing our response at a time we know could lead to more reports.”

Officers said they wanted people to know there was support available and they did not have to suffer in silence and those who committed abuse were also encouraged to face up to their responsibilities and seek help.

DCI Taylor said: “Nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse – and if you’re scared, there is help out there.

“Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is a key priority for us.

“We take reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.

“If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you.

“Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us.”

Operation Vigilant

Specialist police patrols will be out on-the-beat in Cumbria during the World Cup to offer reassurance and prevent offending in busy nightlife areas.

High-visibility officers are out at peak times as part of the work that usually goes on to protect the public during a busy time of the year.

And while officers work to protect everyone, one of the key factors will be preventing violence against women and girls, which is a priority for the constabulary.

Operation Vigilant patrols are a blend of uniform officers and plain clothed officers who identify early those displaying predatory or unacceptable behaviour in the night-time economy, focusing on hot spots where violence against women and girls might take place.

Operation Redefine

The operational response will also include post-arrest investigations and safeguarding of victims.

Trained officers can also make referrals to other agencies to put abusers on a path to change their ways.

This process includes enhanced support to victims due to the individual cases receiving extra scrutiny and a response involving various agencies, who can offer different help.

Operation Redefine will offer guidance to those under arrest for offences linked to domestic abuse during the World Cup.

Referrals will be provided to external agencies to help with changing their behaviour to prevent further offending.

This operation was previously run during Euro 2024.

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, from Victim Support, will be in the police force command and control room from Thursdays to Sundays, 4pm until midnight, to offer immediate support to anyone in need and identify callers in crisis.

Cumbria police said: “Embedding Independent Domestic Violence Advisors in the control room has strengthened the force’s ability to respond to victims at the most critical moment.

“This ensures those experiencing domestic abuse receive expert, trauma-informed support from the very first contact, alongside an operational response.”

Drive Project – Breaking the cycle of abuse

High-risk offenders are being targeted – and their victims protected – with the launch of a new multi-agency set-up to help people suffering domestic abuse in Cumbria.

Police and other agencies have implemented new processes providing greater focus on those persistently carrying out abuse and those behind the most harmful cases.

The Drive Project in Cumbria is a police-led, multi-agency process tackling Cumbria’s highest risk, repeat domestic abuse perpetrators.

It is a national way of working aiming to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors by disrupting, challenging and, importantly, changing the behaviour of perpetrators who cause so much harm to their victims and the wider community.

It is being expanded across the whole of England and Wales, forming an integral part of the Government’s strategy to reduce violence against women and girls by 50 per cent in 10 years – and has now been implemented in Cumbria.

The key features of the Drive Project model include the combination of intensive one-to-one case management to challenge and change perpetrator behaviour – and a coordinated multi-agency response that can include approaches that seek to disrupt opportunities for abuse to occur.

All work with perpetrators is underpinned by the core mission of increasing both the immediate and long-term safety of adult and child victim-survivors.