Staffordshire domestic abuse service expecting more calls during Euros

A domestic abuse service in Staffordshire says they're bracing themselves for a rise in calls during the Euros football tournament this Summer.

"There's a 38% increase in domestic abuse callouts to the police if England lose." said Clare Vickers, Team Lead at the charity Glow.

"We acknowledge there's a rise in it - but we also acknowledge that a football game is no expose for perpetrating domestic abuse either."

Research looking at a link between football and domestic abuse looked at three large tournaments and concluded that reported cases of intimate partner violence increased by 38% when England lost and by 26% when they won or drew in the tournament. Other studies have shown that there could be a link between domestic abuse incidents, warmer weather, and greater alcohol consumption. It also highlighted an increased risk with the individual spending more time at home.

"Those who suffered domestic abuse before EURO 2024 will continue to suffer during and after."

Clare continued: "When you're a perpetrator of domestic abuse - you've already agreed that it's okay to do that behaviour. What you then have to do is lower your inhibitions. Being outside, that heightened emotion, you feel disappointed, you've had some beers, it's not the result you wanted - that can then be the point when you think this is the reason I can take my anger out."

Clare has offered this advice to victims or anyone concerned that their partner may behave violently or be abusive during the Euros:

• Make sure you have a safe exit route
• Make sure you have something in place so you can leave earlier or go stay somewhere else - perhaps with a close friend of family member
• Check in with your local police force to see if they do the 999 text service
• Understand that this is a criminal offence

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