A campaign targeted at tackling domestic abuse in East Cambridgeshire has been launched ahead of the Euros. 

One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse, which can increase dramatically during major football tournaments. 

During the last European championships in 2020 reported rates of domestic violence increased as much as 38% if a national team lost and 23% when it won or if there was a draw.

To help prevent this, East Cambridgeshire District Council is encouraging anyone who is experiencing domestic violence to Ask for Ani.

Councillor Julia Huffer said: “Approach anyone who works for the council and ask to speak to Ani. We will understand you need help.

"We can offer you a safe space, help to make essential phone calls and support you with your choices.”

Over the past year the council has been training staff in the Ask for Ani campaign.

Visitors to its office at The Grange can go in and Ask for Ani, which stands for Assistance Needed Immediately.

They will be shown into a room where trained staff can offer a safe place, help with making essential phone calls and provide support and assistance.

The campaign is being supported by a leaflet drop to all residents and a social media campaign.

Julia added: “Domestic violence is often the silent crime, with many incidents going un-reported. But it is just that – a crime, and this campaign is all about saying enough is enough and encouraging anyone who experiences domestic abuse to seek help.

“In East Cambridgeshire, as well as providing housing advice, the council also works closely with partners to provide help and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.”

Other actions the council has taken to help stamp out domestic abuse include:

  • Helping people leave and find refuge, or stay safely in their own home through its housing advice team drop-in clinics 

  • Signposting to other organisations that can help through its community advice portal

  • Updating its webpages and adding “Hide me” buttons so anyone visiting its website for information can quickly hide their visit from a potential abuser.

  • Training staff in the Ask for Ani campaign.

  • Working with the East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership to raise awareness through community engagement.

  • Working towards becoming DAHA accredited

  • Becoming White Ribbon accredited

If you experience domestic abuse, or if you are a perpetrator of domestic abuse and want to seek help with your behaviour, simply call into our offices and Ask for Ani. You can also speak to any member of staff.