FEARS there could be an increase in domestic abuse during the World Cup period have led to Manx police launching a campaign.
During previous World Cup tournaments reports of domestic violence have doubled and victims are being encouraged to report abuse early to help prevent repeated incidents.
The Multi Agency Public Protection Unit (MAPPU), based at the Department of Social Care’s Hillary House offices, has today launched the Don’t Pay The Penalty poster campaign.
Detective Constable Judith Bradford said: "Historically we are aware that during the World Cup reports of domestic abuse double. It’s perhaps because people take more time off work, there’s increased drinking at home and some diehard football fans want to take it out on someone if and when England lose. The purpose of this campaign is to urge people to report abuse sooner rather than later.
"People need to be aware that just because they report domestic violence it doesn’t necessarily result in criminal charges. According to statistics, people are the victim of domestic abuse 35 times before reporting it.
"By contacting MAPPU, we can give them support and advice and put them in touch with various support agencies such as Victim Support, Women’s Aid and the Alcohol Advisory Service if appropriate.
"Additionally, people can self refer to us if they want to attend a course to help domestic abusers run by the Probation Service on Saturday mornings, over four weeks.
"We’d also ask neighbours, friends or family members to contact us if they have concerns about domestic violence. Often in an investigation we’ll conduct house to house enquiries and the neighbours will say it’s been happening for years but they didn’t feel it was their responsibility to report it. Sometimes neighbours are relieved to find we are aware or even monitoring a house where domestic abuse has occurred."
United Kingdom statistics reveal one in four women and one in six men will become victims of domestic violence.
In the Isle of Man, during the 12 months to the end of March 2010, a total of 325 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to MAPPU, of which 277 (85 per cent) were by male perpetrators. The majority – 66.5 per cent – took place in Douglas and surrounding areas.
Records show 170 incidents involved violence and 192 involved alcohol. MAPPU officers made 151 arrests. Repeated incidents totalled 102, involving 39 different victims.
DC Bradford added: ‘It’s not just about male perpetrators and we know that men can be reluctant to report abuse because of the stigma or embarrassment. We support men and women equally. There is also a strong link between children who witness domestic violence becoming abusers or victims as adults.’
Domestic abuse is defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults – over the age of 16 – who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender.
Anyone who has any concerns about domestic abuse can contact Judith Bradford on 631495.
The World Cup is being held in South Africa and the final will take place on July 11.
