Herts charity warns about rise in domestic abuse as World Cup continues

Instances of domestic abuse have been found to rise by 38% when England lose

Author: Charlotte Evans-YoungPublished 30th Nov 2022
Last updated 30th Nov 2022

After Wale's defeat over England at last night's World Cup match, England's fans are riding high and looking forward to the next stage of the competition.

But a charity in Hertfordshire is warning about the rise in instances of domestic abuse during football tournaments like the World Cup.

When England lose, domestic abuse increases by 38%

Research conducted by the University of Lancaster shows instances of domestic abuse increase by 38% when England lose a football match and, shockingly, by 26% when the team wins or draws.

Hayley Star is Manager of Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline. The charity provides free advice to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, violence, and coercive control, and signpost posts people towards organisations that can help.

According to Hayley: "For so many, competitions such as the World Cup signal the start of periods of complete anxiety and fear at the hands of their partner."

But she stressed: "It's not the sport that causes DA (domestic abuse). We believe it's the alcohol, betting, and tension during the tournament that acts as potential triggers for instances of domestic abuse or violence at home."

What does domestic abuse look like?

According to the charity Women's Aid, domestic abuse is an: "Incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.

"It is very common and in the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men."

What help is out there?

Hayley's message to anyone who's a victim of domestic abuse is: "Don't suffer in silence. Speak out. We are here to listen."

She adds: "We're also conscious that with Christmas coming up, it's also a time where people don't want to rock the boat, they want to get through Christmas and keep their families together.

"But if you're somebody that's experiencing domestic abuse or you feel it escalating because of the World Cup or because of Christmas time, financial pressures, or having to spend more time with certain family members, give us a call on 08 088 088 088. "

If you are facing domestic abuse and wish to speak to someone to get help, call Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or visit their website: https://refuge.org.uk/

Alternatively, you can anonymously speak to Women's Aid through a live chat service or visit their website: www.womensaid.org.uk/

Male victims of domestic abuse can also contact ManKind confidentially on 01823 334 244 or at https://www.mankind.org.uk/

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