Home Secretary Theresa May has launched a new poster campaign urging young men to “think about the devastating consequences of domestic abuse”.
The Home Office said posters are being put up in hundreds of male toilets across pubs and bars in England, and digital adverts are also featuring on the Sky Sports website and app. It said the adverts will remind pub-goers of the terrible physical and psychological impact of domestic abuse on relationships and signpost them to contact charity Respect for advice and support.
'Domestic abuse will not be tolerated'
Announcing the new campaign, May said: “Domestic abuse is not only tragic, it is illegal – and I will do everything in my power to see an end to it.
“For victims who remain on the receiving end of physical and emotional attacks, this year’s football World Cup will be no different to any other summer. But I am determined to see a society where violence against women and girls is not tolerated, where people speak out, and where no one has to suffer this form of abuse.
“That’s why I’ve launched this new campaign - to make men aware that domestic abuse will not be tolerated. Whether it’s physical violence, threats or coercive behaviour, it all counts as abuse. This campaign is part of our work to stop it.”
Pubs responsibility
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said it is working with police and the Local Government Association (LGA), to encourage forces, licensing authorities and trade bodies to work together to ensure a safe and successful World Cup tournament.
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “Apart from being at the match itself, the best place to watch England in the World Cup is at the pub. That is why the BBPA, working with the Local Government Association and national policing lead, has produced guidance for publicans to work closely with authorities to ensure the success of Brazil 2014 events.
“Pubs take their role as responsible businesses seriously, as has been shown with the unit awareness campaign, drink driving and guidance on how to manage customers safely during the year’s World Cup.
“With that in mind, it is good to see the number of pubs supporting the Home Office campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse when large numbers of customers will be visiting pubs during the World Cup.”