Incidents of domestic violence soared during the last one
A councillor, whose sister was murdered as a result of domestic violence, joined two west London publicans and local police this week as part of Hounslow Council and Police’s World Cup safety campaign ‘Don’t see red’.
Vijay Karavadra and his Brother Lakhan Karavadra, who run the Bulstrode in Lampton Road, Hounslow, met Councillor Sue Sampson and Chief Inspector Jon Kennedy (11 June), after national figures showed incidents of domestic violence soared following World Cup games.
There were 392 violent incidents in Hounslow over June and July, 2010 (the last World Cup) compared to 298 in the same period in 2009 – a 31.5 per cent increase. *
In London, there were 11,669 violent incidents in June and July, 2010 compared to 9,744 in the same period in 2009 – a 19.8 per cent increase.*
Councillor Sue Sampson, cabinet member communities and economic development with responsibility for domestic violence, said: “The increase in domestic violence following matches is shocking. Our message is simple – enjoy the World Cup but if you indulge in violence in the pub or at home, you will be enjoying Her Majesty’s pleasure.”
Vijay Karavadra said: “As responsible publicans we support the ‘Don’t see red’ campaign. We want everyone to enjoy watching the World Cup but anyone indulging in violence has no place in our pub.”
Chief Inspector Jon Kennedy of Hounslow Police, said: "I want to send a clear message to anyone involved in domestic violence, you will be arrested, you will be sent to court and you will be sent to prison. The Metropolitan police have a zero tolerance to domestic violence. I have ensured extra units including specifically trained domestic violence police officers will be working before, during and after the World Cup matches. I will also be working these World Cup matches to ensure anyone involved in domestic abuse is dealt with robustly.”
The ‘Don’t see red’ campaign features posters and beer mats with the message ‘Enjoy the World Cup but don’t see red’, which will go out to pubs and clubs across the borough, with secondary messages on drinking responsibly, drink driving and a stark image on domestic violence.
The campaign is also backed by Brentford FC.
Mark Devlin, chief executive for Brentford FC, said: “The World Cup is a time for all football fans to come together to support their country and watch some of the best players in the world in action. The event is a celebration of world class football. Please don’t let drinking ruin the occasion and lead to any violent disorder, which the police will deal with very swiftly.”
*Source: Safe Stats, Greater London Authority.
June 12, 2014