Police warn of domestic violence as EURO 2016 kicks off
Northumbria police say there are no excuses for domestic abuse during this summers European Championships.
Northumbria Police are showing domestic violence the red card with a new campaign ahead of the Euro 2016 this summer
The force's initiative highlights that alcohol and heightened emotions are no excuse for violent or abusive behaviour.
It’s as studies have shown that callouts can rise by as much as 25% during football tournaments.
For sports fans, emotions can run high during football competitions. Mix that with the consumption of alcohol and police forces say it can be a deadly mix when it comes to violence.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird says that it’s vital not all sports fans are tarred with the same brush:
“Just because people are interested in sport, it doesn’t mean there’s going to be a sudden outbreak of domestic abuse. It’s not sport that turns people into abusers and actually it’s not even drink. There is heightened emotion and as people do when supporting, they drink. That combination is capable of increasing domestic abuse”