BURTON Albion and Burton Albion Community Trust will be supporting a local campaign which helps victims of domestic abuse in the lead up to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Pathway Project is a service to help provide support for people who experience domestic abuse in Staffordshire. The project provides practical and emotional support to men and women who have experienced domestic abuse in order to safeguard their welfare and that of their children.
Pathway provide a 24-hour helpline service, two refuges, group and peer support, a children’s service, as well as a specialist counselling service.
The most detailed research into the links between the football World Cup and domestic abuse rates has revealed that in one force area alone in England and Wales, violent incidents increased by 38% when England lost – but also rose by 26% when they won.
The research, by Lancaster University criminologist Dr Stuart Kirby, a former police officer, monitored police reports of domestic violence during three World Cups in 2002, 2006 and 2010.
The East Staffs campaign is supported by The Brewers, Staffordshire Police and Burton Addiction Centre and aims to highlight the risks of increased alcohol consumption and related incidents of drink driving and increased risk of addiction.
Lisa Beard, Community Operations Manager, said: “We are hoping that by supporting the campaign, the brand of our football club can help the campaign to raise awareness of these risks to the public.
"We believe that the campaign needs highlighting ahead of the World Cup period to ensure that people know who they can turn to for help and support. We want to make sure everyone enjoys the World Cup safely."
Look out for both Billy and Bettie Brewer in Burton Town Centre on Thursday afternoon, as they will be showing their support and promoting the campaign.
To contact the Pathway Project helpline, please call 01543 676800 or to text a donation – simply text PATH03 £2/£5/£10 to donate now, e.g. PATH03 £5 sends a £5 donation.