As a nation, we look forward to the evenings that we can spend watching England play in a major tournament. Whether it is fans visiting their local beer garden with mates, or staying in and watching it with their family, everyone seems to rally together. This is partly down to the success they have had in recent years, where despite not winning the title, they have come the closest since the historic ’66 success.
It is relatively well known that football and violence can often go hand in hand, with football hooliganism appearing all over the world. Partly down to the increased alcohol consumption, and the pack mentality and rivalries that can prevail between fans, there is often a heightened policing or security guard presence .
However, it is not the ‘beautiful game’ for everyone. This is because there is a significant increase in domestic violence, surrounding the England matches.
In Plymouth, the rate of domestic violence, generally, is above the national average, and is an issue that local charity Trevi describe as ‘concerning’. Speaking on the matter, Hannah Shead – Trevi CEO – said, “many women will suffer an increase of violence and abuse at home during the tournament”. She also went on to describe this concerning situation as a ‘grim reality’ for a lot of women in the city.
It has been reported that following a win or draw, household violence can increase by up to 26%. A loss can see this number climb as high as 38%. Although it isn’t just match days that see an increase, even the day after there is a rise of 11%.
More fans are turning to watching the matches at home, rather than at pubs and bars and this is thought to have had an impact on the surge in violence. This decision is becoming increasingly more common due to the closure of many pubs and their being less options to choose from.
Women’s Aid worker had this to say on the matter, “Research shows that people generally tend to watch more football at home now; often women will be in their home and they can’t escape.
“Survivors bear the brunt of that anger, rage and joy.
Football doesn’t cause abuse, but factors around it can increase the prevalence of it; it’s going to exacerbate the situation.”
However, domestic violence doesn’t exclusively happen in these circumstances. It has previously and probably will still occur from people who have gone out to watch the football and bring those emotions home.
Trevi have created a new campaign with Plymouth Argyle, Her Game Too, the Devon FA and ManCulture, in a bid to tackle violence during Euro 2024.