The World Cup is an opportunity for unity and coming together to (hopefully) celebrate success. However, for some it can cause worry and fear of abuse.

Research shows that domestic abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) related offences increase around major football tournaments, making it an important time to start conversations, recognise warning signs and ensure support is available.

This year Herts Police has received on average 59 domestic abuse-related reports every day and during football tournaments domestic abuse cases rise by 30%.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse. Find out more on their website: The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline. A list of support services can be found on our website.

People make choices about how they behave. While football, alcohol, gambling and stress can be aggravating factors, they do not cause abuse, and they are never an excuse for abusive behaviour. If you are concerned about your violence and domestic abuse, you can talk to the Respect Phoneline. Their Helpline Advisors will listen to you without judgement and give you honest advice. Find out more on their website.

Information about national and local services that provide health and wellbeing support such as with gambling, substance use and mental health can be found on our website.

Hertsmere Borough Council partnered with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, St Albans City and District Council, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and the Campus West, WGC to host the annual Domestic Abuse Conference.

The conference brought together almost 200 professionals from across Hertfordshire to hear from speakers on the theme of ‘Growing Up With Abuse By My Side”. This explored how we can better support children, families and survivors through partnership working, trauma-informed practice and shared learning.

The Hertsmere CSP hold community engagements in hotspot areas that have been affected by issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), rogue trading and scams. We have held a variety of engagements including door knocks and delivery of anti-social behaviour letters and surveys, which allows residents to speak to agencies in person or respond to the survey anonymously. These surveys are delivered, following reports of ASB and crime, to the addresses affected and surrounding houses. The surveys ask for details about any ASB that has taken place such as location, times and dates and who is involved.

Residents meetings have been held to give local residents a forum to discuss issues affecting them and work with local organisations to problem solve. A variety of agencies attend these events including Hertsmere Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and Community Enforcement Officers, Hertsmere Police and Peabody. Residents are given free crime prevention advice and equipment and can talk to partners about any concerns they have. For information on how to make reports, please visit our ‘Report anti-social behaviour or crime’ webpage.

An Older Persons Activity Learning and Safety event was held at the Wyllyotts Centre in Potters Bar. Over 60s received valuable advice and support from organisations including Hertsmere Police, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Communities 1st, Trading Standards and more.

The event featured stalls offering information and advice, speakers and an exercise taster session from Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership’s Live Longer Better team.

Attendees were asked “What would you do differently because of today?”, feedback included:

“Play more music to move more”

“Get a door sticker, say no to cold callers”

“Arrange Home Fire Safety Visit”

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety visits for residents who may be at greater risk of fire. This includes older people, people living alone or anyone with mobility, health or support needs. These visits assess the home for fire safety, including gas and electrical appliances, access and escape routes and smoke alarms. More information can be found on Hertfordshire County Council’s website.

Council staff, elected members and partner organisations have received training on Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) which was delivered by Herts Police. The training looked at the types and indicators of Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking vs Smuggling and making referrals via the NRM.

The training will help professionals to identify cases and support adults and children in the community.

The Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline provides information, advice and guidance to potential victims/survivors, members of the public, professionals and businesses. Find out more on their website.