Over the next few weeks, we should hopefully be enjoying some super Bedfordshire summer weather. We shall also be enjoying the World Cup and, next month, the Bedford River Festival.
For most of us, the summer will be safe, and we will be able to maximise our enjoyment of the weather, the football, and the festival without fear of violence, whether at home or elsewhere, without experiencing anti-social behaviour.
However, many research studies have shown that incidents of domestic abuse increase during international sporting tournaments such as the World Cup.
Most of the victims will be women, and all too often, children traumatised by domestic abuse and domestic violence in homes.
There are often cases of children being the victims of exploitative and violent crime during these periods, too.
The NSPCC’s Childline had previously reported a 33% increase in calls related to domestic violence and abuse in 2022.
Safeguarding
There is never an excuse for domestic abuse or violence against women and children. We all have a responsibility to safeguard victims of these crimes and to report the perpetrator.
Across the county, women’s groups and other community organisations will be offering support and advice to victims and potential victims of domestic abuse and violence during the World Cup period and across the summer as they do every day of every week of every year.
We owe these groups a huge thank you.
The police will always be there to act, to enforce the law, and to support victims, too. My plea to everyone – victims and witnesses – is always report domestic abuse and violence, including by calling 999 if an incident is in progress or if someone is at risk of violence.
All too often, alcohol will play a part in fuelling these crimes and many other crimes.
The abuse of alcohol and drugs causes anti-social behaviour, which often increases during long warm summer evenings.
Everyone has a responsibility if they imbibe alcohol to do so responsibly and not to do so on public streets or in areas where it is prohibited.
Public Spaces Protection Order
The Borough Council officials, including its anti-social behaviour officers (ASBOs) and the Police, will be enforcing the Public Spaces Protection Order in Bedford Town Centre.
They will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and those committing it should expect to feel the full force of the law.
The River Festival is always a highlight for Bedford and attracts massive crowds, including visitors to the town. It is always colourful and fun. It brings economic and social benefits to Bedford.
It is important that those of us who plan to visit and soak up the atmosphere of the festival can do so safely.
Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police are coordinating their planning and management of the event to ensure safety and have much experience of doing so.
There will be a significant deployment of police resources over the weekend. The Live Facial Recognition vans will be in use.
However, safety is not simply a matter for the local authority and the police. We all should behave responsibly, avoid excessive drinking, and protect our personal belongings when in the crowds.
We should watch out for each other, too. We must promptly report any incident we see or experience.
Community cohesion
The World Cup this year offers us the opportunity to claim the national flag of England and display it as an act of solidarity and support for our football team and for our country.
This flag belongs to all of us – not those who have attempted to hijack it to promote division, populist politics, and betray the values of our country. Let’s wave it with pride and in the spirit of community cohesion.
Let us hope that England is successful in all their games, but win or lose, we must be responsible at home and on the streets.
Not everyone in our diverse county will be cheering England, so let us show respect to the supporters of all teams.
My message is simple: be responsible at home and on the streets. Enjoy a summer of sun, sport, and fun.
Let’s not add to the number of victims of domestic violence at home or bad behaviour on the streets. Let’s show community spirit at its best.
This is a monthly guest column provided by
elected Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard (Labour).
It is published unedited and does
not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
