Football season resulting in more domestic abuse

For many people, major football events can be a time of fear and dread. Events like World Cup and Premier League are linked to a huge increase in domestic abuse. 

Domestic abuse typically consists of intimidating and controlling behaviour. It can occur in many ways. It is typically emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological, or physical.

The National Centre of Domestic Violence released data showing an increase in incidents by 26% if England National Football Team play. With a 38% if England lose and 11% the next day, whether they win or lose.

The European League of Football has 40 professional football leagues, however, almost none of them are directly linked to stopping domestic violence.

Leister City FC have shown their support for How Many Times, a campaign that aims to increase reporting domestic and sexual crimes in Leicestershire.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire and Rutland, Sir Clive Loader told EMH: “It is extremely important that, through campaigns like this, awareness of these appalling crime types is raised so it encourages victims to come forward, report the abuse and seek the help and support that is out there.”

In December 2021, the National Police Chief’s Council and College of Policing released for immediate action to improve police responses to violence against women and girls.  They are partnering with Rape & Sexual Violence Project, Black Country Women’s Aid and Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.

In a WMP statement, Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell commented: “We are transforming the way we respond to and investigate reports of rape and serious sexual offences, putting those who have been subjected to these offences at the heart of this work and supporting them through every step of the journey.”