World Cup fever has well and truly swept the nation, ramped up since England's latest win against Columbia. On Saturday, England go head-to-head with Sweden in the quarter finals. Sadly, the World Cup can be connected to something other than a healthy celebration of sportsmanship and cultural identity: domestic violence.
Research carried out by Lancaster University has shown that incidents of domestic violence have spiked during previous World Cups, showing a 38% increase in reported incidents when England loses a game, and a 26% increase when England draws or wins. In 2014, the average reported occasions of violence rose to 79.3 a day during England matches, compared with 58.2 when they weren't playing. Incidents were 11% higher the day after England played, whatever the outcome, and were at their highest when the team exited the tournament.
Police are preparing for this World Cup to be no different, having increased the number of officers on duty who have domestic violence training. More will be on duty for the World Cup final on June 15.
Researchers suggest that the spike in domestic violence might be attributed to a combination of factors: excessive alcohol consumption, gambling, aggressive / competitive macho behaviour, increased tension. Ultimately, of course, the issue is with the abuser and there is no justifying acts of domestic violence. Talking to the BBC, one woman recounts her experience from a previous abusive relationship: "I would just sit there silently willing, willing, willing his team [Chelsea] to win, because I knew what to expect if they lost... the physical and emotional abuse I was experiencing would escalate."
There are many forms of abuse beyond physical or sexual violence. Josephine Cropper, a welldoing.org therapist with experience working with survivors of domestic violence lists some warning signs:
- Withholding money - perhaps even vital housekeeping money
- Being forced to do things. This may range from having to wash up or keep the house tidy to ward off your partner's anger, to being forced to have sex. If you ever feel you are made to do something through fear then that is a form of abuse
- Being shamed or humiliated. It may be that you are not allowed to go to work, or to dress as you wish because "other men will look at you"
- Being denied sleep or being woken up regularly in the middle of the night
- Constantly being told "it's all your fault
- Having the constant feeling that you are "walking on eggshells" and being afraid to speak out
