Christians are being urged to speak out if they spot the signs of domestic abuse during this year’s World Cup, as incidents rise around major football tournaments.
The charity Women’s Aid has warned that incidents of domestic abuse increase by more than a third (38%) when England lose in major football tournaments. There is an uptick of 26% when England win.
The charity’s new campaign, ‘The Other Kick Off’, says 11.37 pm, when abusive partners return home after a match, is the estimated time that domestic abuse rises after the first England World Cup match.
The time was calculated on the average duration of a football match, including half-time and additional time, post-match drinking and journey home time. The charity said this “marks the estimated point that many women and children dread after the football ends”.
Sally Hope, who is a Christian writer specialising in faith, feminism and domestic abuse, told Premier Christian News that while football itself does not directly cause domestic abuse, heightened emotions and alcohol consumption can exacerbate abuse where it already exists.
“There's a real sense of masculinity around football as well as rising testosterone levels, so all those things combine to create a toxic environment where abuse can flourish. It’s worse when we lose because of frustration, and looking for someone to take that out on. Abusive people have a sense of entitlement and a desire to get their own way all the time, so when their team lose, they're angry, and they take it out on the people closest to them, which is usually their wives and their children.”
People are being encouraged to watch out for behavioural “red flags” among neighbours, such as sudden changes in behaviour. Sally Hope said churches can play an important role by encouraging conversations around the issue.
“Domestic abuse thrives in a culture of silence and stigma and shame, so when we remove those things, we let women know that it's safe to talk about domestic abuse, and it's safe to disclose domestic abuse. So, it’s important to talk about it and condemn it from the pulpit in our sermons. We can also put toilet door posters up as well with a helpline number," she continued.
She added that while there are times when women abuse men, “about 80% of the time it's a man abusing a woman, but you also get abuse in same-sex relationships. But I think, particularly with the football, with the men's World Cup, it's the real masculine environment that can be a little bit toxic”.
The campaign is being displayed across digital billboards, mobile vans, and fly posters near major fan zones and football hotspots in London.
Farah Nazeer, CEO at Women’s Aid, said: “Whether England wins, loses or draws, no woman or child should live in fear of that final whistle blow. We hope that our campaign helps raise awareness of this heinous crime, while also signposting people to support, not only for themselves, but for loved ones they’re concerned about.”
If you need more information or support contact Premier Lifeline, a national Christian confidential helpline which is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) on 0300 111 0101.