DORSET Police will bring in additional specially-trained officers to deal with domestic abuse crimes during the World Cup.

From Friday June 13 to Sunday July 13, officers will be conducting extra reassurance visits to high-risk victims to ensure they continue to be safe.

The police have made the move as reports of domestic abuse increase during major sporting occasions.

Police will be targeting serial offenders of domestic abuse and ensuring effective safeguarding measures are put in place in relation to children and vulnerable adults.

Known offenders of domestic abuse can expect to receive a police visit to ensure they are abiding by any special conditions or court orders.

Along with robust monitoring, officers will also be providing a response to any reported incidents.

Detective Inspector Richard Dixey said: “We are determined to support victims in reporting these crimes and make sure those who inflict abuse are brought to justice.

"This is a priority for Dorset Police.

“Along with our own experienced and specially-trained officers who investigate these offences, we also work in close partnership with other support agencies who can also offer support, advice and guidance.”

The police will have extra powers through the recently introduced Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders, to bar a suspected perpetrator of domestic violence from contacting a victim and stop them returning to a victim’s home.

Detective Inspector Richard Dixey added: “If you commit an act of domestic abuse against your partner, expect to be arrested, dealt with robustly and go through the Criminal Justice System, if appropriate.

“Domestic abuse offences can attract significant custodial sentences.

“A recent example is an offender who had broken the jaw of his previous partner. He went on to attack his current partner leaving her with severe bruising to her face and body. He received a total custodial sentence of 16 months at Bournemouth Crown Court.

“Dorset Police is committed to preventing these offences developing into more serious violent crimes. Across the UK, two women a week and one man every 17 days are killed by their partner or former partner.

“Alcohol can play a part in domestic abuse. Please ensure you do not become a perpetrator as the result of excessive drinking.

“I strongly encourage anybody suffering from this awful crime to report it and seek help.”

Members of the public can also apply to the police on 101 under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law) for a disclosure on a suspected offender’s past history known as the ‘right to ask’.

The scheme is for anyone in an intimate relationship regardless of gender.

Anybody can make an enquiry but information will only be given to someone at risk or a person in a position to safeguard the victim.

Partner agencies can also request disclosure is made of an offender’s past history where it is believed someone is at risk of harm. This is known as ‘right to know’.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “Following on from the positive Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) inspection of Dorset Police’s response to domestic abuse, this is a further example of initiatives that the Force is adopting to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

For more information on support services available throughout Dorset visit dorsetforyou.com/dvahelp.