Charity football match to help “Silent Victims”
Police and firefighters are taking to the soccer pitch to help raise awareness of domestic violence.
Officers based in the Rochford police district have challenged local fire crews to a match at Canvey to promote Domestic Violence Awareness Week and raise cash for charities.
The match will be held on Wednesday, November 6, at Canvey FC’s ground at Park Lane and kicks off at 1pm.
The event is in its sixth year and was launched by local domestic abuse specialist officers, Pcs Caroline Cudby and Nicola Pain, who asked Rochford officers to play soccer for charity.
It has now grown into an annual fixture for the ‘Silent Victim’ trophy, which is supported by Castle Point and Rochford Domestic Abuse Panel, part of the Community Safety Partnership.
The matches were originally played by teams from Rochford and Castle Point police district but this is the first year the challenge was extended to fire crews.
Pc Lee Warrington, captain of the Essex Police team said: “We are looking forward to the challenge with the Fire and Rescue Service. However the real result of the day will be that we raise awareness of domestic abuse, and that there is help available for victims, to have them understand that they are not alone.”
One of the match organisers, Sgt Steve Joynes, said: “Caroline Cudby and Nicola Pain are both highly experienced officers who deal with domestic abuse. We are always delighted to help them to raise money for the charities they work closely with. Players and supporters donate money through match fees and raffles and we regularly raise more than £200.
“We are grateful to Canvey FC for letting us have their ground free of charge. There is no admission charge but we hope plenty of people will come to watch the match and help us to raise us much money as possible towards an important cause.”
Nick Alston said: “I’m delighted to learn that the money raised from this football match will go to charities involved in supporting victims of domestic abuse , and I hope the event is a great success. We must all do our utmost to ensure that agencies are able to intervene earlier in the timeline of domestic abuse, and that friends, neighbours and family members recognise the signs and know the steps they can take to protect their loved ones.”
