Sanctuary Supported Living showing domestic abuse the red card

As the excitement for the upcoming Euros football competition mounts, Sanctuary Supported Living, which runs domestic abuse services in Plymouth and Torbay, is aiming to raise awareness about the predicted rise in domestic abuse during the tournament.

Football matches should be a time for people to come together in support of their team, but unfortunately, major sporting events can also be a time of increased risk for victims of domestic abuse, and it can occur whether the abuser’s team wins or loses. Research showed that the number of domestic abuse cases reported to Lancashire police force in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups surged by 38 per cent on the days when England lost, but incidents also increased by 26 per cent when the team either won or drew a match.

Sanctuary Supported Living's Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS) and Torbay Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS) provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse in Plymouth and across Torbay, including confidential advice, support planning, and safe accommodation.

Nicola Blackwell, Local Service Manager at PDAS, said, "While football brings people together, it can unfortunately also lead to an increase in domestic abuse incidents. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their sex, age, sexuality or anything else. Many victims of domestic abuse will no doubt be worrying about what the next few weeks may bring for them.”