BARROW AFC is teaming up with Cumbria Police to send a clear message that domestic abuse should never be tolerated.

The campaign, which coincides with this summer’s rescheduled Euro 2020 football tournament, will see police, Barrow AFC, Carlisle United FC, Cumberland FA and support agencies share messages to encourage the public to ‘blow the whistle’ on domestic abuse and report incidents.

Football is not a cause of domestic abuse. However, environments involving high emotions and alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to violent or abusive behaviour.

The constabulary will be running an interactive, domestic abuse awareness session on their Twitter account today from 11am to 3:30pm. Practitioners will be on hand to provide awareness and support information and to answer questions from the public.

Services provided by Turning the Spotlight will also be showcased during the campaign. Initiated by Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, this service positively and constructively aims to address the behaviour of those causing harm in a relationship.

Turning the Spotlight, provided by the organisation, Victim Support, supports couples and families where low-level conflict or abuse has been identified, they also work with individuals who have caused or are at risk of causing harm.

Detective Inspector Fae Dilks, a Constabulary Lead for domestic abuse, said: “We want everyone to enjoy their summer responsibly. Celebration, inflamed passion, and excess alcohol are no excuse for domestic abuse.

“Relationships should be loving and supportive, never violent.

“Importantly, if you are a victim of domestic abuse please come forward and report it to police. We can help you. We can also work with trusted partner agencies to provide the support you require.

“If you are offending, or feel you are at risk of doing so, please contact Victim Support now. Do the right thing. They can help you to access the help and support you need to change your behaviour.”

Barrow Chief Executive, Levi Gill said: “Barrow AFC is proud to be part of the campaign this summer to make sure the message that domestic violence should never be tolerated is spread far and wide.”

“We all know passions run high at times, during big games or where alcohol is concerned, but we want to see people celebrating in victory and consoling each other in defeat”.

Domestic abuse comes in many forms and does not have to be physical violence, it can include psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse and / or coercive and controlling behaviour.

Any reports made to police will be taken seriously and will be duly investigated by specialist officers.

Visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/summer.

Police & support service contact details:

Police

Tel: 101

Tel (in an emergency): 999

Web: www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit

Victim Support (Independent Charity)

Tel:0300 3030 157

Web: www.victimsupport.org.uk

The Bridgeway (Independent Sexual Assault Referral Centre)

Tel: 0808 118 6432

Web: https://www.thebridgeway.org.uk/