Walsall Healthcare’s Safeguarding Team, Teenage Pregnancy Service and Well Wishers charity have teamed up with Walsall FC for a new campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse during this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
Research has shown that incidents of domestic abuse can increase during major football tournaments, making awareness campaigns and access to support services particularly important during these periods.
Recorded before the end of the season, Walsall FC have put together a series of videos stating their zero-tolerance stance on abuse.
The campaign will be launched on social media, coinciding with this week’s start of the FIFA World Cup Tournament, and will culminate with a marketplace event on Friday 17 July.
Taking place in the Atrium at Walsall Manor Hospital, the awareness event on July 17 will bring staff, partners and members of the community together to encourage conversations about domestic abuse, highlight available support services and promote safety and wellbeing during the World Cup.
A variety of activities will be on offer throughout the day, including table football, Subbuteo, cakes, raffle prizes and giveaways.
Rachel Dale, Lead Nurse for Safeguarding Adults and Trust Prevent Lead, said: “The World Cup is a time when many people come together to enjoy and celebrate football, but sadly major tournaments also coincide with an increase in incidents of domestic abuse.
“By working with Walsall FC and our community partners, we hope to raise awareness, encourage people to seek support and remind anyone affected that help is available. We want people to know they are not alone and that support is available locally.”
Adam Davy, Director of Walsall FC Foundation, added: “The club and foundation always look to support local activities and use the power of Walsall FC to raise awareness. Over the years, we have supported a variety of groups that support people who have experienced abuse, and we support the White Ribbon campaign each season, in partnership with Walsall Council.
“It is sad to see the statistics linking domestic abuse and sporting events and hope that our support of the campaign will raise awareness and, hopefully, prevent issues from occurring. We hope that everyone can enjoy football, and the World Cup, safely and in a fun environment.”
Support for the campaign is also being provided by Black Country Women’s Aid, WISH (Walsall Healthcare Sexual Health Team) and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
Representatives from each organisation will be available on the day to offer advice, information and signposting to local support services.
There will also be a raffle that will run throughout the tournament with all proceeds shared between Well Wishers and survivors in refuges throughout Walsall.