By Sam Warrilow
The country is currently wrapped up in football fever, as England is taking part in the 2024 Euro championship. Many fans are hopeful for the team’s success after a strong showing in the tournaments last edition, with England making it to the finals before losing to Italy.
While for most this is a time marked by enjoyment of the sport, for some in the country this just isn’t the case. Around major football tournaments like the Euro, reports of domestic abuse rise.
According to women’s aid UK 1 in 4 women face some form of domestic abuse within their lifetime, and this can only become more severe around big games. When they should be enjoying the game, instead there are so many people in the country waiting in fear of what might happen to them after the match ends.
Researchers have found that there is indeed a link between domestic violence and football, with the number of domestic abuse reports rising 26% when the English national team won or drew, and that number increasing even more to 38% in the event of a loss. Furthermore, reports of violence in the home still rise 11% the day after a match, regardless of winning or losing.
I spoke to Anna Walsh, Sharna Marshall and Katriona Lafferty from Churches Housing Association of Dudley & District or CHADD, a charity that provides sheltered housing for domestic abuse survivors, about why domestic abuse seems to increase during major football tournaments.
As one would expect, one of the major driving forces behind a situation like this is alcohol, but another large contributor is the kind of football fanaticism that can wash over people.
“It’s not the same for rugby, it’s not the same for the Olympics, and I think that’s connected to football seeming a lot more tribal. Passions run high and a lot of emotions and expectation is attached to that, and if you have someone who maybe is already abusive or has those tendencies, then the likelihood of abuse is much higher then.”
Anna Walsh
With so many people currently in this situation, it can be difficult to know what you can possibly do to help if a friend or relative is in an abusive relationship.
“It has to be led by the victim themselves, obviously not if there’s an immediate risk like if a perpetrator were to say ”I’m coming for [the victim] now” and there’s a major risk there then obviously go straight to the police, but in other cases it’s best to speak to the victim, listen to them, believe them, just make them feel comfortable. The best way to move forward with something like this is to be there for the victim and help them work out the best way forward that they’re comfortable with. Often times, and I’ve seen it, victims will withdraw and be more hesitant to get help if the process is rushed along too quickly or without their knowledge, and that can ultimately worsen the situation.”
Sharna Marshall
If you or anyone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, please head on to the Women’s Aid UK website for a list of charities for domestic abuse survivors around the country. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24/7 all year round on 0808 2000 247 or via their website.
Mersey Focus 