Islands highlight domestic abuse during World Cup

Domestic abuse victims in Jersey and Guernsey have been encouraged to reach out for help during the World Cup.

States of Jersey Police said officers would be working alongside Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) throughout the tournament, which starts later and runs until 19 July in the USA, Mexico and Canada, to focus on helping victims.

During the competition, the force said officers would use information gathered through intelligence to disrupt incidents before they occurred and raise awareness of domestic abuse.

The Guernsey-based domestic abuse charity Safer also said it was "open to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse".

Acting Ch Insp Aiden Quenault, from Jersey police, said sporting events could contribute to a rise in incidents due to heightened emotions and the consumption of alcohol and drugs.

"Domestic abuse in any of its forms is entirely unacceptable," Quenault added.

"We work closely with our partner agencies every day to review cases, manage risk, and make sure victims are supported and offenders brought to justice.

"This ongoing collaboration is key to ensuring that opportunities to safeguard victims and disrupt offending behaviour are always maximised."

JDAS service manager Sarah Hamon said victims could find reaching out for help "difficult".

"Our message is simple - you are not alone, and support is available," she said.

The Safer charity said even though alcohol "is not an excuse or reason for domestic abuse" it could make people more unpredictable.

"The only people responsible for their behaviour is the person themselves," said Naomi Wright, CEO of Safer.

"We need to respect each other and call out behaviour if it's not OK, before it escalates.

"Having that community response around it is always a positive thing, and that's the message I want to give out to young people right through to older people."

The opening match will be played in Mexico City on 11 June, with the final due in the US state of New Jersey on 19 July.

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.

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