"Support is out there", says Peterborough charity concerned about domestic abuse during EURO 2024

A Peterborough charity focused on violence against women and girls tells us there "is a link" between domestic abuse and knock-out football tournaments like EURO 2024, and is urging any victim of abuse to seek support.

Peterborough Women's Aid say they've been preparing for an increased number of reports during the international competition.

CEO, Mandy Geraghty, said: "Unfortunately there is a link between domestic abuse and knock out football tournaments.

However, we need to be aware that domestic abuse happens 365 days a year, and there is no excuse to abuse a partner."

"We know that, when there are knock-out football tournaments, that perpetrators can use alcohol as an excuse for their abuse, but we would ask them this: 'Are you saying every time you abuse alcohol, you abuse your partner? Probably not.'"

"At Peterborough Women's Aid, what we want to do during the EUROs is to let victims know that there is support out there.

Whether England win, lose or draw - that is not an excuse for abuse."

If you experience or know someone who experiences domestic abuse in Peterborough, you can seek support via the Peterborough Women's Aid webpage: https://peterboroughwomensaid.co.uk/

You can also find help via the National Domestic Abuse helpline: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Or via the NHS Website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

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