If England Gets Beaten, So Will She

If England Gets Beaten, So Will She

As the referee's full-time whistle blew in Atlanta Stadium on July 15th, signalling the end of the World Cup semi-final, disappointment and frustration swept across the country. Football, after all, is far more than a game in England; it is identity, pride, and community. As the nation's most popular sport, it is deeply woven within British society and culture.

However, for many households, England's exit from the major tournament does not end at the stadium gates or the television screen. Instead, it can take a dark trajectory, one that manifests in anger and, in many cases, violence.

The Statistics Behind The Behavior

Research conducted by Lancaster University showcases a deeply troubling pattern: the risk of domestic abuse rises by 26% when the English national team plays, and by 38% when the team loses.

Violence against women and girls after football matches is not a one-time occurrence, but a recurring and systematic issue. According to the UK National Police Chiefs' Council, approximately 351 domestic abuse incidents were reported as being football-related during the one-month period of Euros. The true figure is likely significantly higher as many victims do not report abuse to the authorities. This underreporting is often due to factors such as financial dependency within the household, fear of repercussions, or emotional blackmail after expressing a desire to leave the relationship.

Living in Fear

Football, a sporting event that should bring joy and excitement, can instead become a source of constant profound fear and anxiety for women. For some, game days aren't anticipated or celebrated, but are marked by fear of a partner coming home, by worry of what the outcome of the match might mean for their personal safety and well-being.

This fear stems from an ongoing, established pattern of behavior that victims are used to. Abuse can take multiple forms: verbal abuse, where victims are subjected to degradation with words, consistently being shouted at and belittled; and physical abuse, including acts of hitting, kicking, or punching. While abuse exists in all different shapes and forms, all are inherently harmful and damaging.

The Role of Alcohol

Another study found that increases in domestic abuse are further driven by alcohol consumption, particularly during early matches. Earlier kick-off times allow for prolonged periods of drinking, leading to higher levels of intoxication later in the evening, which is where incidents of violence tend to peak.

Aside from the result of the match itself, increased alcohol consumption plays a great role in shaping patterns of abuse. It can intensify the feelings of frustration and disappointment, lowering inhibitions and increasing the likelihood of aggressive behavior.

Accountability and Responsibility

"Football does not cause domestic abuse - it is a choice that is made by the abuser, time and again, regardless of whether a team wins or loses a match" says Farah Nazeer, CEO of Women's Aid, a grassroots organization in the UK dedicated to providing life-saving services and building a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.

While football itself is not the root cause of domestic abuse, heightened emotions can exacerbate pre-existing cycles of violence in abusive households. The responsibility lies not with the sport itself, but with the perpetrators, who, in the overwhelming majority of cases, are men.

The World Cup should foster global unity and cultural exchange, serving as a platform to bring people together and celebrate one another. It should never become an excuse or a justification for abusive behavior - behavior that is not only morally unacceptable, but also illegal.

How You Can Help

For perpetrators: Abusive behavior can change with the right support and accountability. If you recognize harmful patterns and are concerned about your own actions, seeking professional help or guidance from advice lines or support services is a crucial first step towards change. Supporting a sport should never come at the expense of another person's safety and dignity.

For bystanders: Silence allows the continuation of abuse. If you witness or become aware of abusive behaviour, it is important not to ignore, dismiss, or normalize it. Rather than condone it, challenge the harmful behaviors within your social circles, whether that may be friends, peers, or family members. As Rebecca Goshawk from Solace, a domestic abuse charity, states: "You have a duty and a responsibility to understand and challenge it within your friendships and your family as well. We all do." As you come together to enthusiastically cheer for your teams, stand for the survivors and victims with the same passion and commitment.

For victims: Seeking help and reporting abuse can feel overwhelming and daunting, but you are not alone. There are support systems that exist to provide advice and assistance. There are charities and organizations that are willing to listen and take action to help get away and bring offenders to justice. Reaching out to trusted individuals such as friends, family members, teachers, can also be an important step.

For communities: Surrounding communities play a vital role in recognizing and addressing domestic abuse. Look out for friends, family members, and neighbors who may be vulnerable during major sporting events. Pay attention to any warning signs and raise awareness of this appalling crime. Encourage open conversations and support the survivors who are brave enough to talk about their experience. Donate to organizations that provide the critical services to help victims leave.

Whether your team wins, loses or draws, no woman or child should have to live in fear of that final whistle.

Sources

• BBC Sport. "England Football Coverage." BBC Sport, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cwymljn8y10o.
• Women's Aid. "Domestic Abuse & Football Statistics." Women's Aid, https://womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-football-statistics/.
• Journal of Public Economics. "Domestic Abuse and Football Outcomes." ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004727272300213X.
• National Police Chiefs' Council. "Police Record Over Three Hundred Domestic Abuse Offences Linked to Euros Tournament." NPCC, https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/police-record-over-three-hundred-domestic-abuse-offences-linked-to-euros-tournament.
• Kirby, Stuart, et al. "Can the FIFA World Cup Football (Soccer) Tournament Be Associated with an Increase in Domestic Abuse?" Lancaster University Research Portal, https://research.lancaster-university.uk/en/publications/can-the-fifa-world-cup-football-soccer-tournament-be-associated-w.