Police warning: Euros 2024 and domestic abuse

Message from Lincolnshire Police…

Sadly, behind the beautiful game is an ugly truth. We are planning for and anticipating a rise in the number of reports of domestic abuse over the coming weeks and we will be using the tournament to highlight vital messages of advice, help and support for those affected.  

Lincolnshire Police lead for domestic abuse, Detective Chief Inspector Rachael Cox said, “There is absolutely no justification for abusive behaviour. We know that some people live in fear and this is totally unacceptable. For some, the anticipation of this tournament will bring an additional sense of foreboding. We want to reach those people with the message that we are here for you. Furthermore, we want you to know that regardless of if you chose to come to us, there is help and support available. We also want to raise awareness generally that this is a potential risk period and if there is someone you have concerns for, let them know that your door is always open to them if they need an escape or support.”

As well as highlighting the mechanisms available to assist victims and survivors, DCI Cox also has a message for abusers, “Violence, abuse, controlling, coercive behaviours will not be tolerated. Take responsibility for your actions. Neither a game of football nor the alcohol you consume excuse or explain abusive behaviour in any way. You alone are responsible for your actions and we won’t hesitate to use our powers of arrest and seek Domestic Violence Protection Orders from the court to hold you accountable.”

We are partnering with the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) and the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership to raise awareness of the support available in Lincolnshire.

Ann canter of LDASS said, “We provide specialist support and assistance to families and individuals in Lincolnshire experiencing domestic abuse.

“If you are concerned about your relationship, we are here to listen and we won’t judge you or tell you what to do.  We provide a confidential service and can offer you advice and guidance on a range of situations and signpost you to relevant services in your local area.  Even if you just want a one off conversation, pick up the phone and call us.  Our details can be found at our website LDASS.org.uk Not ready to talk? – go to the chat function on our website and message us.

“You’re not alone.”

A study by Lancaster University found an increase in Lancashire of domestic abuse incidents when the England team played in the world cup – this correlation was found whether the result was a win, lose or draw.

These findings are reflected in Lincolnshire where an increase in 12% of reported incidents was found on the day, and the day following, England playing in the Euros 2020 tournament.

The analysis compared the daily average for June and July, with the key fixture dates in the tournament held in 2021. An average of 30.59 incidents were recorded for June and July over a four year period from 2020 to 2023. On England match days, the average number of recorded incidents was 32.43 (a 6.02% increase) with the day following seeing an average of 36 incidents (a 17.68% increase). The average for both the day, and the following day, was 34.21 – an increase of 11.83%.   

We will be running a communications campaign over the coming weeks and will be asking our communities to support us on social media by sharing our messages which will focus on highlighting the following:

• LDASS offer information, advice and where eligible, specialist intervention support. You can make an online self-referral, or call 01522 510041 (office hours).  
• If you have concerns that a partner or ex is abusive, you can ask us under Clare’s Law if there is information that we hold that means they may be a risk to you. This is also called the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme. You can ask for yourself or someone else you are worried about.
• Safe Spaces are consultation rooms you can use to find out about your options and the support available. They are there to give you sanctuary, away from the prying eyes of your abuser. Safe Spaces are available in pharmacies including Boots, Coop, Morrisons and Superdrug and now also at certain banks.  
• Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship, or those concerned about someone they know.
• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is always open: 0808 2000 247
• We are always open: call us on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency.  

Find out more about our work to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls.