Protecting victims of domestic abuse in Sussex for Euro 2024

As England prepares for another shot at football glory at Euro 2024, Sussex Police and its partners are ramping up safeguarding activity at a time that is particularly difficult for victims of domestic abuse.

Statistics show that instances of domestic abuse will typically rise during football tournaments and the festive season.

Domestic violence is something victims must live with 365 days a year, and Sussex Police works tirelessly to protect them every hour of every day.

But for the Euros this year, we will be carrying out some extra reassurance and safeguarding work before and during the tournament to remind those most at risk that we are there for them. And to send a message to perpetrators that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Over the next few weeks, officers and specialist support workers will be carrying out discreet safeguarding visits to people known to be at high risk of domestic abuse.

Together with our community partners we will be making sure the most vulnerable people are safe and putting steps in place to protect them from harm.

These proactive visits sit alongside the round-the-clock work to protect vulnerable people, catch perpetrators and, importantly, manage their ongoing behaviour and ability to offend.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Lewis said: “While statistics show that domestic abuse increases during major football tournaments, I want to be very clear that there is never an excuse for domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse does not happen because England are playing football. It happens because perpetrators make a choice to be violent, controlling, persistent and all the other unacceptable behaviours that amount to domestic abuse.

“Our message to victims of domestic abuse during the Euros and all year round is simple – we are here for you. No matter how isolated you might be made to feel, you are not alone.

“Please report any abuse to the police or one of our partner agencies. We will protect you and we will do everything we can to get you justice.”

Report to us via 101, online or by calling 999 in an emergency. If you report online, we can show you how to delete it from your web history so it can’t be traced.

If you call 999 and are unable to speak, press 55 and you will be put through to the police automatically.

Sussex Police employs specialist investigative teams for domestic abuse cases and dedicated teams of domestic abuse investigators who respond to victims via discreet and efficient video call interviews.

The force also leads a multi-agency domestic abuse perpetrator project which focuses on the highest harm, most active dangerous perpetrators to reduce harm and repeat victimisation and offending.

Further support is available at safespacesussex.org.uk.

Through Clare’s Law, you have the right to ask if your current or ex-partner has a history of domestic abuse or violence.

You can make an application regarding a current or ex-partner, or if you have concerns about someone else’s current or ex-partner and we will carry out checks and disclose anything of concern.

Access the service here: Clare's Law - Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) | Sussex Police

Partner agencies who provide support include:

Pan-Sussex

Victim Support – www.victimsupport.org.uk – Independent, free and confidential advice

Veritas – www.veritas-justice.co.uk – An advocacy service supporting people affected by stalking across Sussex

Survivors Network – www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk – Offers counselling, advocacy and group work for survivors of sexual violence and abuse in Sussex

Hourglass – www.wearehourglass.org – Hourglass works to challenge and prevent the abuse of older people.

Hersana – www.hersana.org – Support service for black women and girls of gender based abuse and violence.

East Sussex

CGL – www.changegrowlive.org/domestic-abuse-service-east-sussex/info - Offer support to anyone aged 16+ who has been affected by domestic abuse and violence.

West Sussex

West Sussex Worth Services whose dedicated team of trained staff who can be contacted Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm via https://westsussex-self.achieveservice.com/service/WORTH_referral or calling 0330 222 8181

Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove Domestic Abuse Specialist Service -  Brighton and Hove Domestic Abuse Specialist Service - Victim Support