Norfolk charity anticipates rise in domestic violence during Euros
The UEFA Euro Championships gets underway today - with England facing Serbia in their opener on Sunday
A domestic abuse charity in Norfolk and Suffolk is telling us they're expecting to see an increase in calls during the Euros - which get underway today.
The National Council for Domestic Violence says it saw a 20% jump in referrals after England lost in the final of the 2021 tournament against Italy.
“It’s really important to continue to look out for friends and family"
Rhys LLoyd is from the charity, Leeway, and says victims are never to blame: “Perpetrators will often use the football or the fact that they’ve been drinking or taking drugs as an excuse for their behaviour but ultimately it’s their choice to behave the way they do.
"I think it’s really important to place the accountability for their behaviour at their feet.
“It’s really important to continue to look out for friends and family.
"It might be you’ve not heard from a friend in a while, but it's just making sure you're regularly checking in on them and saying 'how are you?', 'how are things?'
"Of course they may not straight away tell you all their problems, but it’s about building up that trust.
“It’s looking out for things like mood changes. If you’re out with your friends do they have to keep texting that person to let them know where they are, who they’re with."
If you or somebody you know is in need of help and support
If you’re affected by issues raised in this article, there is help available from your local domestic abuse service at www.womensaid.org.uk.
· The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
· The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors is 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
· The National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
If you are in immediate danger always call 999.