SUPPORT workers will accompany Hampshire police officers called to deal with domestic abuse incidents during this year’s World Cup.

The measure is part of a campaign by Hampshire Constabulary to encourage victims of domestic abuse to speak out.

The force said it sees a rise in domestic abuse incidents during large football events, and nationally, such attacks rose 27 per cent during the last World Cup in 2010, compared to the same period the previous year.

The Speak Out Today campaign has been launched ahead of the start of the World Cup 2014 in Brazil on Thursday, June 12.

A domestic abuse support worker will accompany officers in a police vehicle and will speak to domestic abuse victims, with their consent, at the same time as an incident is reported.

Superintendent Ben Snuggs said: “Domestic abuse remains a priority for the force and we are using extra resources to help tackle the problem, take positive action and provide further support for victims during the World Cup.

“Our support agencies do a massive amount of work across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in supporting domestic abuse victims.

“This is a great opportunity for us to work closely together to take a stand against abuse through a combined response.”