Spot, stop, support: domestic abuse campaign
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As the World Cup approaches, a new campaign is being launched across Lincolnshire to highlight the vital support available for those experiencing domestic abuse and to encourage those using harmful behaviours to seek help to change.
The initiative will see 10,000 campaign drinks coasters and posters distributed to pubs, bars, and venues across the county, alongside coordinated messaging with partners on social media.
This project has been funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner using Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). It was brought to life with the support of the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership and informed by the experts in the field at LDASS and the national charity, Respect.
The campaign has a dual purpose:
- To signpost those experiencing domestic abuse to specialist support services
- To encourage perpetrators to recognise and address their behaviour
One side of the coasters raises awareness of abusive behaviours, asking: “Do you feel scared, controlled, isolated, threatened or intimidated?” It includes a QR code directing users to support from the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS).
The reverse side targets those concerned about their own behaviour, promoting the Respect Phoneline, a national service supporting people who want to change harmful patterns in relationships.
The campaign was developed by the Mablethorpe Neighbourhood Policing Team, building on previous successful prevention work. Last year, their coastal safety campaign, targeted at holidaymakers, resulted in a 150% increase in people seeking support, alongside a reduction in reported incidents in those areas. Detective Sergeant Katie Moore said: "As a force we are dedicated to making domestic abuse everyone’s business and we hope that this project leads more people to vital support."
The campaign has been deliberately timed to coincide with the World Cup, a period where evidence shows domestic abuse incidents can increase. A study by Lancaster University identified a rise in domestic abuse incidents in Lancashire when England played during the World Cup, regardless of whether the outcome was a win, loss or draw.1
These findings are reflected locally. Analysis of incidents recorded in Lincolnshire during the Euros 2020 tournament found:
- An average increase of 6.02% on England match days
- A 17.68% increase the day after matches
- An overall increase of 11.83% across both days
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sara Munton said: "Major sporting events like the World Cup can be a powerful way to bring communities together. However, we also know that incidents of domestic abuse increase during major football tournaments. Through funding this campaign, we are helping to ensure that important information and support is shared in places where it can reach those who may need it the most.
"The drinks coasters carry two vital messages; that support is available to victims of domestic abuse, whilst also encouraging those displaying harmful behaviour to seek help and make positive changes. By working together with venues across the county we can raise awareness, encourage early intervention and, ultimately, help keep people safe."
Ann Canter, Senior Manager for EDAN Lincs delivering LDASS said: "Abuse is never part of the game and no one should fear the final whistle. Support your team, support each other, not every home crowd is safe."
Tanisha Jnagel, Head of Helplines at Respect said: "This campaign helps put information about services in front of people, rather than waiting for them to seek it out. To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and encourage perpetrators to change, alongside specialist support for survivors.”
Support is available for anyone affected by domestic abuse:
- Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS)
www.ldass.org.uk | 01522 510041
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7)
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk | 0808 2000 247
- Anyone who is concerned about their behaviour can call the Respect Phoneline
www.respectphoneline.org.uk | 0808 8024040
- Safe Spaces Scheme
www.uksaysnomore.org/safespaces
In an emergency, always call 999.
#SpotStopSupport
2 The analysis in Lincolnshire compared the daily average for June and July, with the key fixture dates in the tournament held in 2021. An average of 30.59 incidents were recorded for June and July over a four-year period from 2020 to 2023. On England match days, the average number of recorded incidents was 32.43 (a 6.02% increase) with the day following seeing an average of 36 incidents (a 17.68% increase). The average for both the day, and the following day, was 34.21 – an increase of 11.83%.