Devon and Cornwall’s domestic abuse charity is launching a new campaign

‘They Think It’s All Over’ aims to highlight ‘hidden corners’ of abuse in sport

A Devon and Cornwall charity which supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence is aiming to highlight the ‘hidden corners’ of abuse in sport.

First Light has launched a campaign titled ‘They Think It’s All Over’, which comes off the back of a huge summer of sporting events, including the Olympics.

The initiative points out that the problem extends beyond the final whistle of the recent Euro tournament.

First Light is using the summer of sporting events and beyond to demonstrate that although club football makes up 12% of all club sports in the UK, the problem is not just limited to football.

The charity says every sport can harbor links and be environments where sexual violence and domestic abuse takes place, impacting on people of all ages and genders.

A spokesman said: “There are around 151,000 sports clubs in the UK, from professional leagues to grassroots clubs.

“In Devon alone there are over 600 football clubs for all ages and genders, while in Cornwall there are 49 different sports with affiliated clubs listed on the Active Cornwall website.

“We are calling for better safeguards to protect players, fans, supporters, followers, friends and families.

“No-one should fear abuse when they step onto the field, pitch or pitch and our campaign aims to make sure people know that sexual violence and domestic abuse is not over now, the Euro 2024 tournament is over , this is a problem. affecting all areas of society and all sports They may think it’s all over, but it’s just not.

The social media and print campaign will share statistics and stories from a range of sports over the next twelve months to coincide with upcoming major sporting events such as the Olympics and the start of domestic seasons for a variety of sports.

The charity will demonstrate that abuse in and outside of sport is a widespread problem that requires urgent attention and societal change.

First Light has seen increased demand for their services in 2022-23, supporting over 11,885 children, young people and adults across Devon and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

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