Many people are looking forward to the start of the World Cup on Friday 11^th June, but in the UK the event has also been linked to a rise in the incidences of domestic abuse.

According to UK tabloid newspaper, The Sun, reports of abuse rose by nearly 30% on England match days during the 2006 World Cup (in some areas).

The link between incidences of domestic abuse and major sporting events has been well-known for some time and to tackle the problem this time round UK domestic abuse charity, Women’s Aid, has launched a new national campaign with the help of British male celebrities called ‘Real Man’.

The campaign uses the celebrities as male role models to stand up and say that violence against women is unacceptable, with the aim of encouraging men all across the UK to do the same.

Soap star Ricky Whittle

The Women’s Aid website explains:

“We are asking ‘Real Men’ to help us send out the message that ‘Real Men’ do not abuse and control women – physically, emotionally, sexually or financially.”

Men can pledge their support for the campaign by wearing one of the ‘Real Man’ campaign t-shirts, which are available for £10 from the UK store Debenhams throughout June. T-shirts are also available for women with the slogan ‘I’m a fan of a real man’.

Campaign t-shirt

Plus, you can support the campaign by signing a manifesto to end violence against women on the Women’s Aid website here.

The campaign is being backed by celebrities including TV presenter Gethin Jones, TV actor John Nettles, Soccer AM presenter Max Rushden, singer and Women’s Aid ambassador Will Young and TV soap-star Ricky Whittle.

The celebrities have been pictured wearing ‘effeminate’ props such as pink, heart-shaped sunglasses, handbags and teddy bears to challenge the stereotype of what a ‘real man’ is – supported by the headline ‘you can tell a real man by what he does, not how he looks’.

The campaign also features the headline ‘wear the shirt and help stop 2 women dying every week as a result of domestic violence’ in a bid to communicate the seriousness of the issue in the UK.

Women’s Aid Chief Executive, Nicola Harwin, told The Sun:

“We know that during big sporting events such as the World Cup there can be a rise in incidents of domestic violence, so now is a very relevant time to raise awareness.”

Actor John Nettles who’s known in the UK for his TV acting roles portraying a policeman said:

“Domestic violence is often ignored as it usually happens behind closed doors and it can seem easier not to get involved. Yet it affects one in four women during their life. It is vital that we do something to protect those victimised by abuse.”

To read the story in full: Stars kick off bid to end abuse (The Sun)

To find out more visit the Women’s Aid website.