Leading domestic abuse charity Hestia has responded to warnings that abuse levels will rise during the Euros. The charity has joined together with high street banks and pharmacies – including Nationwide, HSBC UK, TSB, NatWest Group, Metro Bank, Superdrug and Boots – to urge anyone at risk to access support via one of its thousands of designated Safe Spaces on the high street. Hestia, which provides domestic abuse refuges for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, has established over 6,000 Safe Spaces alongside partners, including: Nationwide, HSBC UK, TSB, NatWest Group, Metro Bank, Superdrug and Boots, plus many more (see here).

One in five1 people, rising to one in four women, experience abuse in their lives. National Centre for Domestic Violence highlights reported incidents increased by 26 percent if England play, 38 percent if England lose, and 11 percent the next day, win or lose2.

More recently, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for domestic abuse, acknowledged that increased alcohol consumption along with the intense emotional highs and lows of a football tournament can act as a catalyst for pre-existing abuse.

Safe Spaces – private rooms within branches, shops and stores - are a vital place to seek temporary refuge providing privacy. They are a ‘no questions asked’ place for anyone in need. Victims making use of the spaces will also find numbers to call on a phone provided to help them access specialist support.

Signs which could indicate a friend or family is a victim of abuse include:

• Being preventing from seeing friends or family

• Being tracked

• Losing control of their independent finances

• Unexplained injuries

• False accusations against them

• Unpredictable mood swings

• Change in appearance or being embarrassed by their partner

Sue Harper, Deputy Director for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Prevention at Hestia said: “For the majority of people, the Euros will bring fun and enjoyment. But for others it can be a terrifying time, with statistics shining a light on the darker side of football. That is why it’s vital that we spread the word about Safe Spaces - offering a private place for those who need it to access support safely.”

Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide said: “We now have over 430 safe spaces up and down the country for anyone in need to use and we are saddened to say they are in regular use. At a time when incidents are expected to rise, it is important that there are places where people can go to seek advice and stay safe.”

Safe Spaces Locations - UK SAYS NO MORE

Anyone in immediate danger should always call 999. Anyone looking for a space in a domestic abuse refuge can contact the Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information and to arrange an interview please contact:

sasha.nouyou@markettiers.com or 07903 858 498

About Hestia

At Hestia we support adults and children in times of crisis. We deliver services across London and the surrounding regions, as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with. Last year we supported over 19,000 adults and children. This includes victims of modern slavery, women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and those experiencing mental health crisis. From giving someone a home, to helping them to get the right mental health support, we support people at the moment of crisis and enable them to build a life beyond a crisis.

About Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces was developed as an initiative of Hestia’s UK Says No More campaign in response to the challenges faced by people experiencing domestic abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown and their inability to access specialist support services. It was first launched in 2020 and is now available in over 6,000 pharmacies and banks across the UK.

Notes to editor

1 1 in 5 victim of abuse - NDCV

2 https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/articles/2014/world-cup-football-is-a-risk-factor-for-domestic-violence

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