Northern Ireland

Domestic abuse victims urged to seek help during Euros

Research has shown that domestic violence can increase during major football tournaments

Research has shown that levels of domestic abuse can increase during major football tournaments like the Euros. PICTURE: BRADLEY COLLYER/PA
Research has shown that levels of domestic abuse can increase during major football tournaments like the Euros. PICTURE: BRADLEY COLLYER/PA
By Allan Preston

DOMESTIC abuse victims have been urged to seek help as research shows that incidents increase during major football tournaments.

As the group stages of Euro 2024 draw to a close, Women’s Aid have launched the ‘He’s Coming Home’ campaign which aims to shine a light on the darker side of major football championships.

The charity warn that although football is not a cause of domestic abuse, existing abuse can intensify around tournaments like the Euros.

Taking England as an example, research by Lancaster University showed that cases of domestic abuse increased by 38% when England lost a match and 26% when they won or drew.

Another aspect of the campaign as the general election approaches is that violence against women is at its highest as funding for women’s services in the UK is at an all-time low, with hopes it can move the issue further up the agenda to make domestic abuse “intolerable.”

In Northern Ireland, police recorded more than 32,000 domestic abuse incidents for 2023/24, the third highest figure since records began in 20024/05.

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Women's Aid has said that major football tournaments can exacerbate existing abuse. (PA)

Teresa Park from Womens Aid said: “Football championships are a fantastic time for us to come together as a country through a game that many of us love.

“However, for many women and children living with an abuser, major football tournaments can be a time filled with fear.

“While domestic abuse is not caused by football, we know existing abuse can become more severe or frequent during big tournaments. It is vital that we raise awareness of this during this crucial time..”

Joanne Barnes, CEO of Nexus, which supports those impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships, said:

“Whilst large sporting events should be an exciting experience, we know this is not the case for everyone and that incidents of domestic abuse increase during these tournaments as highlighted in recent weeks by various organisations across the UK since the beginning of the Euro 2024 tournament.

“We hope that the issue of domestic abuse being highlighted will mean more individuals who are impacted will feel validated in their experience and empowered to come forward knowing that support is there for them. There is never any excuse for abusive behaviour.”

Those suffering from domestic abuse have been urged to call the Regional Domestic and Sexual Violence helpline for women and men on 0808 802 1414, or in an emergency on 101 or 999.