The campaign ‘Show domestic abuse the red card’ aims to target both victims and perpetrators to recognise behaviours and seek help.
Braintree District Council has teamed up with Eastlight Community Homes, Essex Police and Braintree Town Football Club to launch a campaign raising awareness around increased domestic abuse incidents around the World Cup.
Research by Lancaster University showed cases of domestic abuse increased by 38% when England lost a match and 26% when they won or drew.
The campaign ‘Show domestic abuse the red card’ aims to target both victims and perpetrators to recognise behaviours and seek help.
Posters and beer mats have been distributed to pubs across the district for the campaign, directing to Essex Compass for victim support and Cranstoun for domestic abuse perpetrator behaviour change support.
The Council and partners gathered at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium last week to launch the campaign, alongside Braintree Town FC mascot – Buddy the Boar.
Cllr Charley Dervish, Cabinet Member for Better Communities, said: “Domestic abuse is an important issue and we see worrying statistics around increases in incidents during national football games. Most fans watch a game without becoming aggressive. For some however, it exacerbates an underlying problem. This campaign aims to highlight the support available for both victims and perpetrators and to reflect on this behaviour.”
For support around domestic abuse contact https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/ or call 0330 333 7 444.