How Much Does Domestic Abuse Rise During Football Tournaments?
As we gear up for another exciting summer of football with Euros 2024, it's important to address the rise in domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) that often coincides with major football events.
The Link Between Football and Domestic Abuse
Research and statistics have shown a disturbing trend: incidents of domestic abuse and sexist behaviour spike during big football tournaments. According to Her Game Too, nearly 60% of women have faced sexist abuse in person at football matches or pubs.
This trend shows how the strong emotions and drinking that come with football can make people more likely to act aggressively. Football matches, especially high-stakes ones like those in the Euros, often serve as triggers for such incidents.
The Rise of Domestic Abuse During the Euros
Police warned of a potential rise in domestic abuse after England played Serbia in their first game of the European football championship last Sunday.
A study from Lancaster University found a 38% increase in domestic violence incidents when England lost a game between 2002 and 2010, and a 26% rise when they won.
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe highlighted this increased risk by sharing that, during the 2022 World Cup, Sussex Police reported 999 calls relating to domestic abuse doubled on match days.
Ms Rolfe, who is also the NPCC lead for domestic abuse, went on to highlight that it constitutes 11% of all calls to emergency services and more than 30% of violent incidents reported to the police.
How You Can Help Combat Football-Related Domestic Abuse
At imabi, we have launched a Euro 2024 Fixtures Guide in collaboration with White Ribbon UK, aimed at raising awareness and providing practical advice to combat this pressing issue. A digital copy of the Euros Fixtures Guide is available for download via our website.
We’d like to also encourage everyone to download the imabi Guardian app for when you’re not using the rail network, our completely free, all-in-one app for on-the-go safeguarding and wellness.
