Euro 2020 & the significant dent it created with domestic violence cases

Being stuck inside for the past year and re-entering the world just in time for one of the most exciting sporting events amongst British culture, as well as culture all over Europe, came with a whole list of pros and cons and whilst the Euros may have united the whole country together, the tournament can also do just as much damage. 

For the first time since 1966, the England mens team got the furthest that they have ever been in this esteemed sporting tournament. 

With the Euros having only recently ended, it is clear to say that the result created tension on that Sunday evening and had the whole country on the edge of their seats. Now whilst some individuals found this exciting and thrilling, others were fearing the incidents to follow.

However, it wasn’t the result that started things off. With most of the England games starting in the evening, this resulted in many individuals across the UK to start day drinking, with individuals being seen in pubs as early as 9am, preparing for the evening. With the build up of emotions, as well as intoxicating substances running through many fans’ blood, this resulted in distasteful behaviour.

A study in 2014 made it clear that sporting events do not trigger domestic abuse by themselves, but rather through the excessive alcohol consumption that usually follows these events. And whilst this may have some truth to it, alcohol is just an onset to the pre-existing aggressive behaviours within an individual and therefore shouldn’t act as an excuse for weak-minded people. The excessive intake of alcohol paired with a spike and rush of emotions can and does ruin lives.

With the shocking statistics that show that domestic violence incidents increase by 38% when England lose a game and even increase by 26% if they win, this specific year we saw an 8.7% increase in the number of domestic violence cases recorded. These high valued numbers cost individuals lives around the UK.

Many institutions have studied the link between domestic violence and the events of sporting matches and there always seems to be a clear definite response that shows that whilst sporting matches are occurring, domestic violence cases will always rise, and this is regardless of the end result. Although there is a 90-minute period during the match where things may be calm, it's beforehand and afterwards that portray the biggest consequence amongst the violent households across the UK.

Unfortunately, cases like these are not new news amongst our society. In fact, all over the world there are statistics clarifying that there is a spike in domestic violence cases during sporting events, regardless of if the team wins or loses. In Australia for example, there is a 40% spike in cases after State of Origin game nights, which just once again highlights the issue.

However, it is also important to remember that domestic violence cases are reported every day of the year, regardless of sporting events. Therefore, these events serve as a means to emphasise to the wider world the torment that individuals across the world have to suffer with every day.

With the games now finished, I have no doubt that there are still a bunch of cases that went unreported due to high emotions running through their household, and victims feeling unable to report incidences of abuse out of fear or manipulation. 

If you, or anyone you know has fallen victim to this, here are a range of helplines available. 

Stay sporty, but stay safe.

Refuge’s 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247

National Domestic Violence Helpline 24 hours a day 0808 2000 24