Lawyer and domestic abuse expert at Higgs LLP offers expert insight into the rise in cases during the Euros.
The 2024 UEFA Euros start at the end of the week (14th June), exciting Brits who are looking forward to watching England play, bringing family and friends together, and celebrating their country.
However, such international football events also have a dark side. Research shows that cases of domestic violence can increase by 38% when England loses a match and 26% when they win or draw, creating a significant spike in domestic abuse both locally and nationally.
Higgs LLP found that Google searches for 'domestic violence hotline' increased by 80% between 30th June and 30th July 2021, overlapped with the 2021 Euros final on the 11th of July.
Karen Gray, lawyer and domestic abuse lawyer at Higgs LLP, has provided some comments on what domestic abuse is, why football events exacerbate abuse, the warning signs, and the importance of seeking legal help.
What is domestic violence?
"Domestic abuse is typically manifested as an incident or pattern of incidents of abusive behaviour which occur mainly in relationships with a partner, an ex-partner, but also the perpetrator can be a family member or carer."
"Domestic abuse may not only be physical abuse, it can be controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence."
Why does football worsen domestic violence?
"Few people are aware that incidents of domestic abuse increase significantly during major football tournaments, whether they win, lose or draw. However, unfortunately, football often comes hand in hand with increased drinking, drug-taking, and gambling, which can all exacerbate domestic voice. Watching football should be a time when people can enjoy and share their passion, but sadly, the game is marred by reality. When abusers experience the tensions of a match, combined with such factors, they can often become more violent and unpredictable. This means that, for many, football events can heighten the threat of abuse."
What are the warning signs of domestic abuse?
"It is uncommon for a person to become highly abusive in a relationship straight away as often they will first start to try to gain power in small, subtle ways. Early warning signs of domestic abuse include victims feeling as if they are constantly "walking on eggshells," fearing their partner's or family member's reactions and unpredictable behaviour. Additionally, victims may struggle to express their own opinions, often deferring to their abuser's perspective due to coercive control. They may be belittled or accused of infidelity, have their time strictly monitored, and face restrictions on their food intake, clothing choices or finances. Another key early indicator is the abuser's extreme jealousy and their means of isolating victims from their loved ones and undermining and severing their support network."
What does physical abuse look like in domestic abuse?
"Physical abuse in domestic abuse includes many forms of physical assault. For example, it could show in relationships as the abuser attacking or physically harming a victim, abandoning a victim in places they don't know or locking them out of their house, performing non-consensual sexual acts or making them dress provocatively against their will, or preventing a victim from seeking medical care."
Why is seeking help and legal advice for domestic violence important?
"Breaking the cycle of abuse is critical, and obtaining legal support is key to ensuring victims can be supported as well as being signposted to confidential, additional support and access to various resources. This support ensures that victims are safe and supported and have the confidence to seek justice. Additionally, the assistance of expert domestic abuse lawyers can assist and advise regarding options available, including obtaining protective orders, such as Non-Molestation Orders or Occupation Orders, which are crucial for the safety and well-being of victims."
