Brighton parliamentary candidate warns that men beat women when England beat opponents

Brighton parliamentary candidate Purna Sen has flagged up a set of World Cup statistics that she said every football fan should know.

Ms Sen, who is standing for Labour in Brighton Pavilion at the general election next year, wrote about how men beat women when England beat their opponents – and when they lose.

Writing in the Brighton and Hove Independent this week she said: “When England beat Slovenia in 2010, reports of domestic violence increased by more than a quarter (27 per cent).

“And when England lost 4-1 to Germany, they increased even more sharply – up by 29 per cent.

“Whether England win or lose, violence against women and girls increases, according to official figures obtained from police forces across the country under the Freedom of Information Act.”

In the free weekly newspaper she wrote: “In Brighton and Hove, #FearFreeFootball aims at highlighting the ugly side of the beautiful game.

“Nobody should be in fear for their safety during this World Cup.”

Ms Sen is a member of Rise, the domestic abuse charity which helps women across Brighton and Hove and West Sussex who have suffered domestic abuse.

She said: “Domestic violence is a year-round issue but if England lose – or win – their matches it could get worse.

“We need to make it clear that this is not acceptable.”

Sussex Police said that officers were planning for a potential increase in domestic abuse incidents during and after some World Cup games.

The force said: “Officers will be specifically tasked at peak times during and after England matches to help protect victims and families from abuse.

“During and after the four matches England played in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup, reports of domestic abuse increased significantly.

“The evening of the first game saw 27 such reports compared with 16 on the same day the previous June.

“The figure for the second game was 31 as opposed to 20 the previous year. For the third game there were 37 reports against 14 the previous year and for the quarter-final game on (Sunday) 27 June there were 43 reports against 24 the previous year.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Furnell, of the Public Protection Branch, said: “For the vast majority of people who watch matches and support their national teams the games are enjoyable events that draw people together.

“But for a small minority football provides the catalyst for alcohol abuse and violent behaviour, which can be particularly dangerous in some relationships.

“We also work with a variety of other support agencies to tailor safety plans for victims at high risk of serious harm.

“The police response aims to prevent abuse where possible and deal robustly with any offenders committing crimes against partners and family members.

“If domestic abuse is happening to you or someone you know, seek help from the police or one of the local dedicated domestic abuse services in Sussex.

“Anyone aware of danger of harm to an adult or children within a household can ring the police on 101 at any time. In an emergency dial 999.”

He said those who wanted to talk to someone other than the police could contact other expert organisations including

• The 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
• The Rise helpline 01273 622822 www.riseuk.org.uk
• Broken Rainbow – LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline 0300 999 5426 www.brokenrainbow.org.uk
• Men’s Action Line 0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk