SUPPORT workers will accompany Hampshire police officers called to deal with domestic abuse incidents during this year’s World Cup.
The measure is part of a campaign by Hampshire Constabulary to encourage victims of domestic abuse to speak out.
The force sees a rise in domestic abuse incidents during large football events, and nationally such incidents rose by 27 per cent during the last World Cup in 2010, compared to the previous year.
The Speak Out Today campaign was launched as the World Cup got under way in Brazil last Thursday.
A domestic abuse support worker will accompany officers in a police vehicle and will speak to domestic abuse victims, with their consent, at the same time as an incident is reported.
Superintendent Ben Snuggs said: “Domestic abuse remains a priority for the force. Our support agencies do a massive amount of work across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in supporting domestic abuse victims.
“This is a great opportunity for us to work closely together to take a stand against abuse through a combined response.”
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