With the Merseyside Derby taking place this evening, it is important to bring awareness to the increase in domestic abuse that is reported during and after major football matches and tournaments take place.
It is understood that there is a clear correlation between an increase in reported incidents of domestic abuse and correlation to the home team losing. For example, National Centre of Domestic Violence reported worrying statistics to show that when a home team loses domestic abuse incidents increase by a shocking 38%. Even whereby the home team wins or draws there remains a rise of 26%.
These statistics relate only to reported offences, however, it is known that many people who are subjected to domestic abuse in fact do not report the abuse. Therefore, it is likely that the actual increase is likely to be even higher given that less than 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police according to Refuge.
Further, there was a clear correlation of the increase in domestic abuse incidents reported during the Euros 2024 in which police forces in England and Wales recorded 351 incidents of football related domestic abuse. These alarming figures nearly doubled the previous Euros Tournament of 2021 (NPCC).
There are many factors to which may influence these statistics, for example, match days often result in increased alcohol consumption to which can result in increased tensions and reactions. The intensity of emotions and consumption of alcohol can cause conflict and exacerbation of domestic abuse, even more so for those homes in which an abusive environment already exists.
Many fans around the city will gather to support Liverpool and Everton tonight, with fans united and celebration for one team. However, it is important to bring awareness to these alarming increases.
Whilst football does not cause abuse, it is clear that there is a disturbing correlation between major tournaments and matches leading to an increase in domestic abuse.
Support is available for anyone suffering from domestic abuse and at Astraea Linskills we are able to assist in obtaining non-molestation orders as well as occupation orders to provide protection for those suffering from domestic abuse.
Eve Stott.
Astraea Linskills.
