Cumbria Police launch new domestic abuse campaign ahead of Euro 2024

The campaign, which was launched on Wednesday, June 15, will see Cumbria Police take extra measures to tackle offenders and protect potential victims of domestic abuse ahead of, and during, this summer's UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

During the weeks covering major football tournaments, such as the Euros or FIFA World Cup, Cumbria Police tend to see an increase in reports of domestic abuse, with this new campaign being tailor-made to combat this rise.

The campaign also coincides with the release of new Cumbria Police figures which show that the force's efforts to tackle domestic abuse are seeing success.

In the last two calendar months from April 1 to May 31, 2024, 1,038 crimes were reported that had a domestic abuse element, with these crimes including assault and harassment.

Detective superintendent Matt Scott is Cumbria Police's operational lead for this campaign and after its launch was on hand to explain more about the force's efforts to curb domestic abuse.

But he also emphasised the importance that Cumbria Police places on dealing with domestic abuse in the county all year round.

He said: "First of all it is important to say that whilst this is a campaign, domestic abuse is something that is top of our priority list every day of the year.

"The reason we are pushing around this area a bit more at this moment is because we have got the Euros coming up.

"Football is not the cause of domestic abuse... no sport is the cause of domestic abuse. The cause of it is domestic abuse perpetrators.

"However, we are aware that there is an increase in domestic abuse around any major sporting event, predominately linked to high emotions, higher alcohol intake, etc.

"What we are doing is getting ahead of the game to get ahead of domestic abuse by putting on extra resources and just making sure that people feel safer.

"Ultimately out of all of this, I want people to go out and enjoy the Euros, have a drink, have a good time, but ultimately feel safe while doing so."

As part of the new campaign, Cumbria Police will be implementing a number of extra measures to combat domestic abuse, including additional visible patrols in the main nightlife areas of the county.

In addition, the force will deploy specialist officers who are trained to spot offenders who may be targeting people coming out of pubs and clubs, and ensuring that resources are available at peak times such as full-time when people will be exiting venues.

"We have got extra officers in place on the streets, extra officers in place in terms of response," Det Supt Scott said.

"We know the demand is high when the games are on, we know the demand is high when people go back home, so we are making sure we have got those resources so we can keep up the service we deliver every other day of the year.

'Plain clothes detectives out and about in the night-time economy'

"We have also got some extra measures in place around uplifting our provisions the day after matches to make sure we have got detectives and other officers in place to deal with those cases robustly when perpetrators are in custody, and to ensure support services are available for victims.

"We are also doing some work around public protection detectives and specialists in plain clothes out and about in the night-time economy that will be looking to spot and identify potential predatory behaviour by people or behaviour that could lead to domestic abuse.

"What we are very keen on doing 24/7, but particularly in relation to the Euros, is taking a really robust response to any domestic abuse

"If you are a domestic abuse perpetrator you will be getting arrested and we will do everything we possibly can to put you before a court."

Det Supt Scott was also keen to talk through the process that victims of domestic abuse can go through to get the help and support they need from Cumbria Police and other agencies.

He said: "There are a number of ways you can report domestic abuse.

"You do not have to ring 999 - there are other avenues you can explore - but in an emergency, you should always dial 999.

"You can also speak to your GP, Victim Support, Children's Services, Adult Social Care, and the NHS... all of these services are aware of how to signpost to the police.

"If you do ring 999 what I can assure you is that you will get a quick response, we will take you seriously, we will record a significant amount of details around what has gone on and then we will take robust action.

"There are a number of support mechanisms in place such as Victim Support and other partner agencies."

Cumbria is home to a number of charities and organisations that provide support services to victims of domestic abuse.

Included in there is Cumberland Council, which offers services such as providing domestic abuse victims with access to safe accommodation.

After the launching of Cumbria Police's new campaign, the council echoed its message whilst also providing more details about its support services and other domestic abuse campaigns. 

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "Events such as the European Cup games can see an increase in incidents of domestic abuse.

"We will be sharing Cumbria Police’s domestic abuse campaign messages throughout this period of increased risk.

"Through our Domestic Abuse Supported Accommodation Service, we provide services for victims of domestic abuse, including access to safe accommodation.

"If anyone feels that they would benefit from this service please let us know, contact details are available online at cumberland.gov.uk/housing/domestic-abuse-support-cumbria.

"Another important campaign to be aware of is Women’s Aid’s 'Football United Against Domestic Violence'.

"They work with national footballing bodies, sports media, football clubs, the police, players, and fans to send a clear message that domestic violence is always unacceptable.

"Further information is available at womensaid.org.uk/what-we-do/football-united/

"In an emergency always call 999."