Domestic abuse down - despite England's Euro defeat

England may have suffered an embarassing defeat at Euro 2016 - but there appear to have been improvements in fans' behaviour at home, West Yorkshire Police said today.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jun 2016, 11:04 BST
Updated 29th Jun 2016, 12:08 BST
England goalkeeper Joe Hart (left) England's Gary Cahill (bottom) and England's Dele Alli show their dejection after the final whistle on Monday.England goalkeeper Joe Hart (left) England's Gary Cahill (bottom) and England's Dele Alli show their dejection after the final whistle on Monday.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart (left) England's Gary Cahill (bottom) and England's Dele Alli show their dejection after the final whistle on Monday.

Reports of domestic abuse were down 18 per cent after England crashed out on Monday night, compared to the previous Monday, following England’s goalless draw against Slovakia.

West Yorkshire Police launched an awareness-raising campaign at the start of the tournament to try and tackle an increase in domestic abuse incidents seen during major sporting events.

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Call handlers at the force’s Customer Contact Centre took 4,686 calls on Monday night, including 41 domestic related incidents between 7pm and 2am, an 18 per cent drop on the previous week.

Detective Superintendent Darren Minton, of West Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Central Governance Unit, said: “Even though it is very disappointing for fans up and down the country that England are now out of the tournament, I am pleased that the number of domestic related incidents has dropped following the last two matches.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank fans for their behaviour so far.

“Our message still remains that we hope everyone enjoys the football but just be mindful that violent behaviour will not be tolerated.”

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West Yorkshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson, said: “It is absolutely crucial that victims know that domestic abuse is not their fault and that they do not have to put up with it. There’s no reason for a violent or abusive home and it’s something no-one should have to live with at any time.”

Tom Donohoe, Head of the Customer Contact Centre, said: “On a tough night in terms of call demand my staff coped really well. It has to be said that domestic abuse related calls can be amongst the most distressing that a member of staff has to deal with, and one is too many, but a reduction in number is very welcome.

“The team are here to help anyone in this position and are trained to respond quickly to the needs of the caller, or, we have webchat if the person needing our help feels more comfortable using this method, it is available from the Contact Us page of the West Yorkshire Police website.”