"NOT IN MY CITY"

DON'T SCORE AN OWN GOAL DURING THE WORLD CUP
COVENTRY SAYS "NO" TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE

The Not in My City anti-violence campaign continues to gather pace across Coventry with new artwork being distributed to coincide with the World Cup and a tough message around Domestic Violence and Abuse.

England’s involvement means people will be watching the matches from a range of locations, both at home and abroad. There is little time difference which means that the group games will be happening on Friday and Saturday evenings.

During the 2006 World Cup, the average rate of offences committed overall did not alter but the day of England's first match and the day after England's last match did see higher levels of domestic violence and abuse

A broad partnership strategy has been developed to deter and tackle crime and disorder during the World Cup, including domestic violence and abuse.

The Not in My City campaign brings together the work of a number of agencies delivering on-the-ground visible activity to tackle the problem together with a clear message that if you are violent in this City don't be surprised if:-

• You are arrested.
• You are referred and required to receive alcohol treatment, drug treatment or anger management.
• You are prevented from going to certain places in the city or from doing certain things.
• Your local neighbourhood policing team and partner agencies regularly monitor your behaviour.

The campaign builds on work that took place at the end of last year to tackle anti-social behaviour in Coventry and is designed to encourage reporting and to make sure offenders know that violence will not be tolerated and that victims will be supported.

The artwork being deployed for the duration of the World Cup depicts hard hitting scenes of domestic violence between members of a fictional Coventry based family. It includes the National Domestic Violence helpline number: 0808 2000 247

Coventry police will have extra officers in a mobile unit available to respond immediately to any incidents. There will also be two cars dedicated to rapid response to domestic violence incidents.  These cars, which will operate city-wide, will provide support and reassurance to victims and allow early intervention with potential offenders.

Chief Superintendant Steve Glover, the Local Policing Unit Commander for Coventry said, "People should feel confident in expressing their dissatisfaction at acts of aggression, violence and drunkenness. It is not acceptable In our City and the behaviour has to change. Violent behaviour impacts on children, health services, business and ultimately the reputation of Coventry."

Cllr Phil Townshend, Cabinet Member, Corporate and Neighbourhood Services said "Current levels of violence must come down and the organisations that make up the Coventry Community Safety Partnership are bearing their collective weight to make individuals think twice before they resort to violence and aggression.  Together with the Council's Partners, I am determined that we address this problem, and make Coventry a safer place for all."

A Youtube video has been produced to coincide with the launch of the new artwork, warning potential perpetrators of Domestic and Alcohol fuelled violence that it won't be tolerated in Coventry and will be dealt with by all the appropriate agencies across the Coventry Community Safety Partnership: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi4KlzlhFtY

For more information and interviews contact:
Tim Coleman, Coventry Partnership Communications Officer on:
02476 83 1743 0r 07939250752
E-mail: tim.coleman@coventry.gov.uk