Cheshire Police tackling domestic abuse to protect victims and deter offending during Euro 2024

Cheshire Constabulary has a robust action plan in place to tackle domestic abuse during the busy Euro 2024 competition period.

Keeping people safe in the night-time economy (NTE) and managing domestic abuse incidents are key focus areas for Cheshire Police daily, but residents can expect to see these efforts amplified over the course of the tournament.

Officers are warning perpetrators that excuses won’t be tolerated, reminding them that the only person to blame for domestic abuse is the abuser.

On busy nights, uniformed and plain-clothes officers will be mingling in pubs and clubs watching for inappropriate behaviour and taking swift action against those looking to cause harm or nuisance.

‘Safe space’ safety vehicles will be situated in areas where there are high levels of nightlife. They will be visible with the Constabulary’s Safer Streets branding and will provide a safe space for vulnerable people.

The vehicles will have onboard safety equipment such as defibrillators, first aid kits, phone chargers and bottles of water and will be staffed by police officers and community safety specialists from partner agencies.

Residents out enjoying the summer of sport can also expect to see double-crewed DA (Domestic Abuse) cars that will be used solely for responding rapidly to DA-related incidents throughout the county.

The force has also written to suspects who were arrested for DA during previous football tournaments, reminding them that there will be zero tolerance for further offending, an explanation of the Perpetrator Custody Programme, which is in operation in all of Cheshire’s custody suites, and an offer of support if they need help with their behaviour. 

The Perpetrator Custody Programme means that a support worker from the charity My CWA (formerly Cheshire Without Abuse) is on duty at each of the custody suites ready to engage with DA offenders about offender programmes and coping mechanisms. 

The community-based support programme does not replace the criminal process and outcomes, but it does provide those who have offended with the opportunity to change and avoid future harmful actions, resulting in a break in the cycle of abuse.

Superintendent Claire Jesson, overseeing Cheshire Police’s policing operation for Euro 2024, said:

“We know that football doesn’t directly cause abuse, but what we do know is that there is offending associated with alcohol consumption, violence and other destructive behaviours exhibited by a small number of fans. This paired with the intense emotions of the tournament can act as a catalyst for pre-existing abuse to arise.

"Our approach to tackling domestic abuse is multi-faceted and our police officers are fully trained to ensure they understand how they can help domestic abuse victims, along with our partner agencies across the county. I want the public to have the fullest confidence to know that the police will support them and that the correct processes are in place to provide that support.

“We are committed to prioritising domestic abuse and robustly targeting offenders whilst safeguarding victims and protecting children. We want the message to be clear, we will always take action against domestic abuse offenders. Those who commit domestic abuse in Cheshire will be pursued and prosecution sought.

"Cheshire is a hostile environment for all criminals; domestic abuse remains one of the highest priorities for us."

The force will also be working closely with local authority domestic abuse services across the county and each authority will be communicating specific pathways for victims and perpetrators during the championships.

The Open the Door website is there to provide support to residents across Cheshire 24/7. The Open the Door campaign encourages people experiencing abuse, people with abusive behaviours, friends and family to access information about how to spot the signs of domestic abuse and how to get early help where they live. Information is also available for local employers to help them recognise if a colleague is in an abusive situation at home.

www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk

The Ask for ANI (Assistance Needed Immediately) scheme allows those who are at risk or suffering from domestic abuse to discreetly signal that they need help by asking for ANI at local pharmacies.

A trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can find out whether the victims need to speak to the police or access support services, such as local domestic abuse helplines. If the victim is in danger, the staff member will offer the use of a phone to dial 999 or call on the victim’s behalf.

Clare’s Law was also introduced across all forces in the UK in 2014, giving people the right to ask about someone who may be at risk of domestic abuse. If information is held about a suspected perpetrator that could help to protect someone, this information will be disclosed.

This year, Clare's Law celebrates its tenth anniversary and, here in Cheshire, there has been an increase in the number of applications (1800 last year) submitted, with a response time of around 14 days in getting back to the public.

You can make a referral for yourself or on behalf of someone else at: 

Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.

You can also make a direct report to Cheshire Police here: 

online referral service.

Superintendent Jesson added:

“Cheshire Police is working with our partners within councils across the county to ensure that anyone affected by domestic abuse feels supported and knows that there are multiple organisations on offer that they can contact to seek support and advice.

"We know that for some victims this might not feel the right moment to talk to the police, but we want you to reach out and seek help. Advice and help for victims are available from a number of agencies are available who can ensure anyone who suffers domestic abuse gets the support they need, without the need to report to the police.

“We urge anyone suffering from domestic abuse or concerned for someone who might be a victim to contact us using 101, the online reporting tool or 999 in an emergency."

VIDEO - Superintendent Claire Jesson's message regarding domestic violence and abuse.