Slough Borough Council is launching a campaign to show there is never any excuse for domestic abuse.
Historically, when there are major sporting events, like the World Cup, there is an increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents where a woman is the victim.
The council, in collaboration with the Safer Slough Partnership and Slough Children First, has created a series of posters aimed at perpetrators, victims and children. They offer details of support and information services, both locally and nationally.
One of the messages is ‘Don’t lose it all for football’.
Rachel Axtell, the council’s domestic abuse partnership officer, will be running training sessions and speaking to local groups during the period of the World Cup and the 16 days of activism against male violence towards women, which starts on 25 November, on White Ribbon Day.
She said: “Slough Borough Council is working with a number of organisations to co-ordinate the response to domestic abuse and as a partnership we recognise there is more to be done. Events such as the World Cup remind us of this challenge. We need to remember that domestic abuse isn’t only physical, it can involve mental abuse, sexual abuse and coercive control. There is a lot of help out there so if someone is in an abusive relationship, or you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, please try to reach out to someone for support. Don’t suffer alone.”
Councillor Balvinder Bains, cabinet member for public protection, regulation and enforcement, said: “The start of the World Cup is a timely occasion to raise awareness about domestic abuse and remind everyone that violence, in any form, is never the answer. Enjoy the football but win or lose, don’t take it out on anyone else.”
Carol Douch, Operations Director from Slough Children First, said: “Every child and adult has the right to feel safe in their own home. Working together we can ensure zero tolerance of domestic abuse. If you feel that you or someone you know is at risk, then please speak up and ask for support.”
Local support services for domestic abuse include Hestia, Slough, who can be contacted on 01753 477352 and The Dash Charity, Windsor and Maidenhead, on 01753 549865.
Nationally, help is available via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327.