This article explores the relationship between football tournaments, like the Euros, and increased domestic abuse, highlighting campaign efforts, statistics and support resources for those affected. As football fever sweeps the globe, the Euros should be an opportunity to come together with friends and loved ones to support your national team. However, for the 2.1 million people in the UK experiencing domestic abuse, tournaments like the Euros can represent a time of heightened fear and isolation. 

Women's Aid Campaign

No More Years of Hurt is the latest instalment of Women's Aid's award-winning campaign ‘He’s Coming Home’. The campaign coincides with this summer’s Euros 2024 tournament and aims to raise awareness on the darker side of major football championships, which are associated with an increase in domestic abuse in the UK. With record levels of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and funding for women’s services at an all-time low, the Women's Aid campaign is focused on mobilising public support to move the ongoing epidemic of domestic abuse in the UK further up the political agenda.

The Link Between Football & Domestic Abuse

While football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, where it is already present, major football tournaments such as the Euros can exacerbate existing abuse.

Research from Lancaster University reveals that reported incidents of domestic abuse rise by 38% when England loses a match and by 26% when the team wins or draws. Additionally, they found that the frequency of reported domestic abuse incidents increased with each new tournament.

This alarming trend has also been reported by services supporting children. Data from the NSPCC, a leading UK children's charity, indicates a 33% increase in helpline calls about domestic abuse and a 17% rise in children needing counselling for domestic abuse.

With 1 in 4 women experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime and at least one woman a week killed by their abuser, there is so much more to lose than just a football game.

Does Football Causes Domestic Abuse?

The short answer is no. Domestic abuse is caused by the perpetrator and is used to gain and maintain power and control over a partner. While outside factors, such as major football tournaments, can increase the risk of further violence and abuse they do not cause it.

The *Power and Control Wheel (pictured below) developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, is a useful lens through which to understand domestic abuse. This video gives a great overview of the model.

*The diagram assumes she/her pronouns for survivors and he/him pronouns for partners. However, abusive behaviour can happen to people of any gender or sexuality.
Whatever the reason behind an escalation in violent and abusive behaviour, it is imperative that the responsibility is placed on the perpetrator. Perpetrators of abuse choose to act abusively and should always be held responsible for their behaviour.

What Help/Support Is Available?

UK Helplines

In an emergency always dial 999. If you are unable to speak press 55 and follow the instructions from the operator.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (provides support for all domestic abuse survivors): 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line (specialised support for male survivors): 0808 801 0327
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline (specialised support for LGBTQIA+ survivors): 0800 999 5428
Live Free from Fear Helpline (support for all domestic abuse survivors in both English and Welsh): 0808 8010 800
The Mix (specialised support for under 25s): 0808 808 4994
Hourglass Helpline (specialised support for elders): 0808 808 8141
Childline: 0800 1111
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
Samaritans (24/7 service): 116 123
Rights of Women Advice Lines provide vital free and confidential legal advice to women in England and Wales to help you understand the law and your legal rights
Respect Phoneline for perpetrators of domestic abuse: 0808 8024040
Women's Aid: Live chat & connect to local support services

Specialist Support Services

Black and Minority Ethnic

• Sistah Space - A space for African heritage women & girls who’ve experienced domestic or sexual abuse or who have lost a loved one to domestic violence.
• Southall Black Sisters - Domestic violence resource centre for Asian, African, Afro-Caribbean women.
• Chinese Information and Advice Centre - Provides support and information for Chinese people living in the UK. Also runs Sunflower Support Programme for children and teenagers affected by domestic violence.
• Jewish Women’s Aid - Provides refuge and/or support to Jewish women and their children affected by domestic abuse.
• Muslim Women’s Network - A specialist faith and culturally sensitive service for those facing or at risk of abuse.
• Nour Domestic Violence - Provides Islamic support and advice and raises awareness
• Latin American Women’s Aid - Provides nationally available services and the only refuge for Latin American women in the UK
• Refugee Council - Services for refugees and asylum seekers; including children’s services, integration services and information on voluntary returns.

Disability

• Beverley Lewis House - Refuge for women with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse or who are at risk of abuse.
• DeafHope - Supports deaf communities through empowerment, education and services.
• Respond - Challenging vulnerability and sexual abuse in the lives of people with learning disabilities.
• Sign Health - By & for organisation providing support for domestic abuse survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

LGBTQIA+

• Galop - Leading charity supporting LGBTQIA+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.
• TransUnite - Comprehensive resource for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community. Their directory connects you to an established network of trans support groups near you.
• Rainbow Migration - UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group. Immigration rights for same sex couples and asylum seekers.

Men

• Survivors UK - Help for men who have been sexually abused or raped.
• Respect Men’s Advice Line - Provides a range of services aimed primarily at men experiencing domestic abuse from their partner.

Elders

• Hourglass - Charity that aims to prevent abuse in old age.

Families & Children

• Adfam - Charity supporting for families affected by drugs and alcohol
• AADFA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) - Charity offering help to families after fatal domestic abuse (homicide or suicide) and near misses. 

Perpetrators

• Respect - A registered charity and national membership organisation promoting best practice for domestic violence perpetrator programmes and associated support services in the UK.
• Domestic Violence Intervention Project - Provides a violence prevention programme for men and a woman’s support service for their partners and ex-partners.

For UK residents, you can find your local domestic violence & abuse service here.