Residents Draw the line on Domestic Abuse!

Officers from Merseyside Police, as well as representatives from St Helens Council and crime and disorder reduction partners, joined forces with the residents at the event in St Helens town centre on the first England game.

Last year, Merseyside Police received more than 25,000 reported cases of domestic abuse and statistics show an increase around the time of high profile sporting events.

This is often linked with the amount of alcohol consumed during such
matches, either in the home or at pubs, and police are appealing to people to drink sensibly throughout the tournament so everyone can have a safe and happy World Cup.

During the last World Cup, between June 9, 2006 and July 9, 2006, there was a 21 per cent rise in the number of incidents of domestic abuse in St.  Helens compared to the same period the following year.

Of the 94 offences in 2006, 53 involved alcohol. This compares to 75
incidents in 2007, of which 44 of those involved alcohol.

Inspector Chris Sephton, from St Helens Family Crime Investigation Unit, said: "We want victims to be aware that they don't have to suffer in silence - there is help out there for them, whether from our partners or from us, and we will treat every report sensitively.

"We also want friends, family and neighbours of victims who suspect that domestic abuse is taking place to help us take action against the offenders by contacting us.

"Specially trained officers will be on duty at key times around the World
Cup but we will not just be responding to reports, we will be targeting
known offenders and looking to speak to victims throughout this time so they know that help is available to them."

During the event, free lip salves were given out bearing useful numbers to call and Independent Domestic Violence Advocates, as well as officers from Merseyside Police, were on hand to provide advice.

Anyone wanting more information should call St Helens Independent Domestic Violence Advocates on 01744 743 200 or Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010. In an emergency always call 999.