Police crackdown on domestic abuse during Euro tournament (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Police crackdown on domestic abuse during Euro tournament

9:00am Saturday 9th June 2012 in News By Ian Craig

POLICE will be cracking down on incidents of domestic abuse in Gloucestershire this summer.

Research by the Association of Chief Police Officers has shown that cases of domestic abuse increase during major football tournaments, especially on England match days.

With the European Football Championships around the corner, Gloucestershire police are working with the Gloucestershire Central Allocation and Referral Point (CARP), an alternative way of reporting domestic abuse for people who do not feel comfortable going to the police, to crack down on the crime.

Detective Inspector Kevin McCloskey of Gloucestershire’s Public Protection Bureau said, although there is no evidence to suggest Gloucestershire will see an increase in domestic abuse during the tournament, the police are fully prepared to deal with any incidents that do arise.

“Domestic abuse is dealt with firmly here in Gloucestershire,” he added.

“There is a wide range of support available to anyone suffering from domestic abuse, and I would encourage any victim, as we do year round, to seek help.”

CARP manager Sally Morrissey said the organisation has experts on hand to help victims whenever they need it.

“They can also put you in touch with many other agencies who can support you,” she added.

“The CARP aims to provide both practical solutions to make victims and their children safe as well as offering a listening ear.”

Anyone who has been victim of domestic abuse should call Gloucestershire police on 101, CARP on 0845 602 9035 or the national 24-hour domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.