With the World Cup starting this week, it is useful to bear in mind that such sporting events often lead to an increase in incidents of domestic violence.  While football does not cause domestic abuse, existing abuse can intensify around tournaments like the Euros or World Cup. Research by Lancaster University showed cases of domestic abuse increased by 38% when England lost a match and 26% when they won or drew.   

What is domestic abuse?

We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases, it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.  

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following

• Physical abuse
• ePsychological and/or emotional abuse
• Coercive control 
• Financial and economic abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Tech abuse
• Harassment and stalking

I’m not sure if my relationship is healthy

Disagreements in relationships are normal, but when they become frequent and begin to form a pattern, it might be a sign that something is wrong, and possibly abusive – a word that is hard for many people to think about or even say out loud.   Every situation is unique, but there are some common factors in relationships that might mean they are unhealthy and even abusive. Just thinking about these red-flag behaviours is an important first step.

More information provided by Women’s Aid, designed to help identify potential red flags in a relationship

Useful contacts:

Women's Aid

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Respect

Men's Advice Line (Respect): 0808 8010 327