The Greater Manchester Health Commission is backing a region-wide domestic violence campaign during this year’s World Cup.
With retailers offering cheap alcohol promotions in the run up to the World Cup sometimes fuelling domestic violence, the campaign sees councils, Greater Manchester Police, the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline and the Greater Manchester Public Health Network urging domestic abuse victims, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse to seek help and support.
Research shows that cases of domestic abuse increase by nearly 30 per cent during some previous England football matches.
A series of posters incorporating images of a football shirt, a remote control and a broken beer bottle are being displayed in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries and licensed premises, while adverts are running on buses across Greater Manchester.
Information cards are also being distributed, providing domestic abuse victims, their friends and families and the perpetrators themselves with some key contact numbers for support services.
Councillor Cliff Morris, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health Commission, said: “Domestic violence is totally unacceptable, and using the excuse that it takes place under the influence of cheap alcohol is no excuse whatsoever. The effects of cheap alcohol are both immediate, in terms of filling A and E departments unnecessarily, and in terms of the longer-term health effects on the people of Greater Manchester.
“We want to drive home the message that domestic violence, experienced by both men and women, can have catastrophic consequences for their physical and mental health. Domestic violence is a serious public health issue and we want people to know that help and support is available in this region.”
For more information about those services available to help stop domestic abuse, people can visit: www.endthefear.co.uk. Those responsible can also get help to stop by contacting the Respect Phoneline: 0845 122 8609.
