Euros 2024 and domestic abuse

The Euros 2024 is a time for emotion and excitement that unites most of the country. Many people across the UK enjoy watching the football. However, there is a side to large-scale football events that impacts vulnerable people in the UK.

According to research, domestic abuse reports increase by 38% when England loses a match and 26% when there is a win or draw.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, and/or violent behaviour towards someone else.

Domestic abuse can be broken down into physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour (where people feel like they are being controlled or have to behave in a particular way for fear of violence if they don't). 

Most commonly, we can see this in couples but there are other relationships that experience domestic abuse, such as family members and carers.

Domestic violence and abuse affects family members, children, and friends, and impacts mental health.

Women's Aid data shows that a woman is killed by her male partner or former partner every four days in the UK.

One in six men can fall victim to domestic abuse, too.

Links between domestic abuse and football

The Euros is a time for commemoration, celebration, and anticipation for many people across Europe, and the world, but emotions can turn quickly from just the kick of a ball and there is a correlation between football matches and domestic violence and abuse.

Although the Euros do not directly cause domestic abuse it's important not to ignore these statistics.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse there are a few things you can do to get yourself to safety. It is important to note that you do not need to wait for a crisis to find support.

• Get in contact with your GP, a doctor or midwife.
• Most police stations have domestic violence units with specially trained officers, and you can also call 999 or 101 to report an incident.
• Our charity, Key Unlocking Futures operates a 24-hour South Ribble and Chorley helpline on 01772 435865 for free, confidential advice. A live chat is also available as an alternative way to ask for help should someone not be able to call.
• For women, you can call the free phone national domestic abuse helpline run by refuge on 0808 2000 247.
• For men, you can call men's advice line on 0808 8010 327.