Here, with the excitement building for Euro 2024 this summer, I want to address one pervasive myth: the notion that football causes domestic abuse. This misconception is not only misleading but also harmful, diverting attention from the real issues at hand.
Let’s be clear to start.
Football does not cause abuse. Perpetrators choices do.
Alcohol does not cause abuse. Perpetrators choices do.
It's important to understand that while incidents of domestic violence can spike during major football tournaments, these occurrences are linked to pre-existing abusive behaviour patterns. Domestic abuse is rooted in power and control, not in the circumstances surrounding football, sport or any other events or occasions. Instead, football or any high stress event (there are similar spikes around Christmas, for example) can act as a catalyst for those who have previously been, or might become, abusive, providing an ‘opportunity’ or ‘reason’ for them to ‘exert more control’. This is a choice. It is not loss of control – millions of other people do not make, or even consider making, the same choice.
When thinking about why incidents of domestic violence spike during football events, we must consider the broader societal factors that contribute to domestic abuse. Misogyny, patriarchal structures, and sex inequality lay the groundwork for such behaviour. These are deeply ingrained issues that require long-term, systemic change. Football may exacerbate tensions due to heightened emotions and alcohol consumption, but it does not inherently cause a person to become violent. Blaming football simplifies a complex issue and allows the real problems to persist unchallenged.
Women’s Aid, working with national footballing bodies, sports media, football clubs, the police, players and fans have put together a campaign called Football United Against Domestic Violence. Encouraging fans to ‘be a hero off the pitch’ it points out that we don’t let violence go unpunished on the pitch, so why would we do so at home?
I hope that millions of people enjoy the beautiful game this summer, and take wins and losses in their stride - and that everyone agrees there’s no place for abuse and violence, on or off the pitch.
If you are experiencing abuse from someone in your home or family in Brighton and Hove, contact us.
If you live elsewhere in the UK contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline
If you want to help us help people fleeing domestic abuse, donate here or find out about how businesses can support us here.
