Women’s Aid respond to data collected by NPCC as part of national policing strategy showing over 300 domestic abuse offences related to the Euros
Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, said:
Last week, the National Police Chiefs Council announced that over 300 domestic abuse related offences were attributed to the Euros earlier this summer. While this figure may seem shocking, it is only the tip of the iceberg. Domestic abuse often goes unreported, meaning that the real number of incidents during the Euros is likely much higher.
While football does not cause domestic abuse, we know that it can exacerbate existing abuse, increasing the severity and frequency of violent incidents. The correlation between the two isn’t entirely clear but it is thought that factors such as the higher consumption of alcohol that accompanies sporting events, and the strong emotional response that winning or losing can have on supporters, may attribute to this increase.
Women’s Aid have continued to raise awareness of the challenges women and children face during these tournaments, with our ‘He’s Coming Home’ campaign in 2022 and our ‘No More Years of Hurt’ campaign this year. We look forward to the results of the NPCC’s data being analysed, as we hope it will provide further insight into the link between domestic abuse and football and mitigate the risk.
The Euros, and other sporting events, should be a source of entertainment and joy for us all but sadly, for countless women across the country it is a source of fear. Everyone should be able to enjoy the events that bring people together, and no one should have to live in fear when they are coming up.
Notes:
- Details on ‘He’s Coming Home’ campaign can be found here: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/womens-aid-is-asking-the-public-to-raise-awareness-of-domestic-abuse-services-during-the-world-cup-to-help-survivors/
- Details on ‘No More Years of Hurt’ campaign can be found here: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/womens-aid-launches-no-more-years-of-hurt-campaign-highlighting-the-spike-in-domestic-abuse-during-big-football-games/
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