Latest news with #LydiaPatsalides
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Crimestoppers campaign to tackle violence against women
The independent charity is raising awareness of the rise in violence against women and girls during major sporting events. Recent data from the 2024 UEFA European Championships revealed 351 football-related domestic abuse incidents recorded by police in England and Wales, nearly double the number from the previous tournament. Lydia Patsalides, spokesperson for Crimestoppers, said: "Sport should unite and inspire us, and for the most part it does. "But we cannot ignore the well-documented rise in violence towards women and girls that coincides with major fixtures. "These are not isolated incidents – they represent a national issue that affects communities across the UK." Research points to a strong link between alcohol consumption during sporting events and spikes in violent incidents. On days when England won a match, there was a 47 per cent increase in alcohol-related domestic abuse incidents. Crimestoppers' new campaign urges the public to recognise the signs of abuse and use the charity's anonymous reporting service to share concerns safely. The charity is also partnering with sporting bodies, law enforcement, and support organisations to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and promote prevention strategies. Crimestoppers believe that even small pieces of information can make a difference. They urge that if you see something, say something. By speaking up – 100 per cent anonymously – you could help save lives. No tip is too small, and your voice is vital. Crimestoppers allows people to report concerns without revealing their identity, offering a safe way to take action. The charity hopes the public will come forward and play a part in protecting women and girls from harm, breaking the cycle of silence.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Campaign highlights increased levels of violence against women and girls during and after major sporting events
Recent statistics and reports from frontline services have shown that incidents of domestic abuse and gender-based violence spike around the time of significant sporting occasions. Crimestoppers has launched a powerful new campaign to draw urgent attention to increased levels of violence against women and girls during and after major sporting events. Recent statistics and reports from frontline services have shown that incidents of domestic abuse and gender-based violence spike around the time of significant sporting occasions. During the 2024 UEFA European Championships, police in England and Wales recorded 351 football-related domestic abuse incidents, almost double the figure from the previous tournament. Lydia Patsalides, spokesperson for the charity Crimestoppers, said: "Sport should unite and inspire us, and for the most part it does. "But we cannot ignore the well-documented rise in violence towards women and girls that coincides with major fixtures. "These are not isolated incidents - they represent a national issue that affects communities across the UK." The new campaign encourages the Lanarkshire public to recognise the signs of violence and use Crimestoppers anonymous reporting service to speak up safely if they are concerned about someone's wellbeing. Crimestoppers is also working with sporting bodies, law enforcement agencies and support charities to spread awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and promote prevention strategies at every level. If you see something say something. By speaking up - 100 per cent anonymously - you could help save lives. No tip is too small, and your voice is vital.
