THIS month I’d like to tell you about an event that the partnership is helping to organise, which aims to raise awareness across the county of the link between large sporting events and domestic abuse.

To coincide with the start of Euro 2012, The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse, with support from Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team, is organising a local football match called Euro 2012, Tackle it!, on Friday, June 8 at the Habberley Road Playing Fields in Kidderminster.

Five-a-side teams will battle it out including those from Worcestershire Pathways to Recovery – a partnership of service providers which delivers substance misuse services across the county – Stonham, which provides substance misuse and domestic abuse services and other local domestic abuse, and alcohol service providers.

The new Mayor of Kidderminster, Councillor John Aston, will open the event at 11am and it will finish at 1pm, followed by free refreshments and children’s football activities, including penalty shoot-outs. Team winners will receive a trophy and all those taking part, a medal and certificate. There will be information available from The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse, Crimestoppers, Stonham, West Mercia Women’s Aid, Pathways to Recovery, Worcestershire’s Drug & Alcohol Action Team and The Road Safety Partnership.

Research suggests that during big sporting events, reports of domestic violence increase. The statistics make for sobering reading: l During the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, Home Office data showed a 31 per cent rise in domestic violence reports on the day of England's 1-0 victory over Paraguay; l On the day of England’s exit from the tournament, beaten on penalties by Portugal, reports increased by just over 30 per cent.

l On average there was a 25 per cent rise in domestic violence reports on the days of England games, with one in four offenders found to be under the influence of alcohol.

We hope that the June 8 event will provide those affected by domestic abuse with the information they need to do something about their situation, particularly at a time when emotions can be heightened. By taking that first step, those affected are not only acknowledging that there is a problem, but are actively seeking ways to put a stop to it.

Around two women a week are killed by their partner or ex-partner, although it’s important to remind people that this kind of abuse doesn’t just affect women. Home Office data indicates that around 30 men a year are killed within a domestic abuse context.

For further information about The Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse please contact Ros Walker on 01905 822 357. To call in confidence about domestic abuse call 0800 980 3331.

HELEN DYKE Chairman