In light of Sunday’s Euros final, many took to social media to discuss the correlation between football matches and domestic violence. Along with sharing tweets and status updates voicing concerns, the same statistic kept recurring: “No one wants England to win more than women. Domestic Abuse rates increase by 38% when England lose”.
This statistic emerged as part of a campaign by anti-domestic violence charity Pathway Project, in response to a 2013 study by Lancaster University. Along with the main viral statistic, the study also concluded that male to female domestic abuse increased by 26% when England lost or there was a draw. These rates are still relevant eight years later.
The rise in violence has often been attributed to high running emotions and excessive alcohol consumption; however, charities have made it clear that football itself is not the direct cause of these high numbers. “Football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, perpetrators do,” Women's Aid Chief Executive, Farah Nazeer, told The Big Issue*. Women’s Aid, among other charities, have taken to raising awareness of their services during this time. They have also shared information about the rise in abuse via social channels, aiming to reach football fans directly and make changes inside the community.
It has been reported that domestic abuse has increased over the course of the pandemic, as people are spending more time at home. This coupled with financial and emotional pressures along with growing frustrations about the coronavirus situation has been shown to contribute to the growth in domestic violence. The Office for National Statistics revealed that there has “been an increase in demand for domestic abuse victim services during the coronavirus pandemic”; not specifically an increased number in victims, but often the severity of the abuse. Victims are less able to distance themselves from their abuser, receive support or collect medication.
The pandemic coupled with the Euros is an unfortunate catalyst for domestic violence to occur. However, CEO of charity Refuge, Sandra Horley, has said that we must not exclusively link domestic abuse with situations, like football, in which emotions are running high and alcohol/drugs are consumed excessively. She says, people “experience violence and abuse at the hands of their partners every day, not just when the football is on TV”. This serves as a reminder that abuse is an act of the perpetrator, not a situation.
If you, or someone you know, is in an abusive situation, please reach out to one of the charities below.
Rise Sussex - https://www.riseuk.org.uk/ - Helpline 01273 622 822
Refuge - https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
* https://www.bigissue.com/latest/sport/euros-2020-may-be-catalyst-for-domestic-abuse-charities-
BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/5a8677f8-58ea-44c8-a133-23ea2ae90abb
Office for National Statistics: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabuseduringthecoronaviruscovid19pandemicenglandandwales/november2020
