Home violence fear over World Cup

According to research carried out during the last tournament in 2006, the number of incidents of domestic violence spiked on days when England matches took place.

South Yorkshire Police said yesterday it was determined to crack down on all forms of violence during the World Cup period but was particularly concerned about abuse in the home.

Latest figures show that one in five violent crimes is domestic abuse-related, and senior officers said action was needed now to prevent the victims being seriously injured or even killed.

Supt Peter Norman said: "Specially-trained officers will be working during this high profile period to assist victims of domestic abuse.

"Officers have already begun a series of visits to known domestic abuse offenders warning them that domestic abuse is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any time. The World Cup is not an excuse for drunken violent behaviour and everyone has the right to live in an environment free from abuse or the threat of violence.

"Domestic abuse affects a large number of people and it also brings a great deal of sadness and worry to children.

"There is no excuse, ever, and I would like to encourage any victims of domestic abuse to come forward."

In Sheffield, police are working with Sheffield Council, which has recently set up the Sheffield Domestic Abuse Partnership Helpline, which offers help and support to victims.

Since opening last month, the phone line has offered help and support to 137 people. Calls are free from most mobile phone networks and will not show up on bills.

Alison Higgins, who manages the helpline, said: "Sheffield is leading the field in domestic abuse services which are joined up across the council, police and voluntary sector.

"But there is more we can do. We want to get the message out there during the World Cup that domestic abuse is never acceptable.

"Anyone affected can call the new, freephone domestic abuse hotline on 0808 808 2241, speak to someone who understands what they are going through and get access to the help and support they need."

Police said domestic abuse was not just physical violence, but also psychological abuse, where the victim is "controlled" by the offender.

In Doncaster, public agencies have also joined forces in a bid to crack down on alcohol-related violence during the World Cup tournament by urging fans to drink sensibly when watching matches.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said fans could also put themselves at risk of being killed by fire by smoking while under the influence, or cooking after getting drunk.

Tony Carlin, the district manager for the brigade in Doncaster, said: "Being under the influence of alcohol can make you uncoordinated and uninhibited and as a result you are more at risk of causing a fire from cooking or smoking.

"It only takes one act of carelessness when smoking or cooking to result in someone losing their home, their possessions or, ultimately, their life, so we are reminding residents to drink sensibly during the tournament period."

Police said victims of domestic violence have been urged to call 999 in an emergency, the South Yorkshire Police switchboard on 0114 2202020 to report an attack that has already taken place or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.