London Bangla A Force for the community…
DURING MAJOR football tournaments, the number of incidents of domestic abuse increases. One study from Lancaster University found that when England wins a World Cup game, incidents of domestic abuse increase by 26% – but they increase by 38% when England loses.
It is shocking to realise that the result of a football match can lead men to lose control and take their feelings out on women with whom they share a home. It is not the football that causes the abuse, of course – but it is the football which provides a setting in which men who cannot exercise self-control display forms of unacceptable behaviour.
There are many different forms of domestic abuse. Violence, in the form of physical or sexual base, is probably the best known kind of abuse. However, there are various kinds of psychological and sexual abuse too – as well as financial abuse and coercive control. Abuse can happen when two people are together, or it can be distant – from stalking up to online abuse.
No one deserves to be subject to domestic abuse – or complacent about its increase during football matches. It is not the time to be understanding of incidents of abuse – it is time to do something about it.
Anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse should call 999 for emergency help. However, abuse can be more subtle. If you know a friend or relative is being abused, or you suspect it, try talking to them: listen, don’t judge. You can also get support from Solace Women’s Aid or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is run by Refuge and is available 24/7.
Sometimes men become aware that their behaviour is becoming a form of abuse. They can receive help from the Respect Phoneline.
●Solace Women’s Aid
020-3795 5064
www.solacewomensaid.org
●National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808-2000247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
●Respect Phoneline
0808-802 4040
●Read more about it:
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Met mark 100 convictions for violence against women
