England is set to face Iran in their highly anticipated first game of the Qatar World Cup 2022, later today.
The game, which will air at 1pm this afternoon, will be the first in what is expected to be a successful run for England’s football team.
However, statistics have predicted a dark fact that overshadows the world’s favourite game; a suggested spike in domestic abuse rates.
A study published in 2014 found that reports of domestic abuse increased by 38% when England lost a game, and 26% when they won or drew.
In 2018, the year of the last world cup, South Yorkshire recorded an immense 1488% increase in assault with injury reports, recorded with a domestic abuse keyword and victim. As well as a dramatic 1545% increase in assault without injury offences.
Organisations and charities, like Crimestoppers UK and the NCPCC, have taken to social media to share their concerns about these worrying statistics.
Crimestoppers shared their concerns on Twitter. They said: “England’s bid for the World Cup kicks off tomorrow.
“Domestic abuse reports rise by 38% when England lose a match – meaning there’s more on the line than points… If you’re worried about someone, you can talk to our charity and stay 100% anonymous.”
The NSPCC also sent out a Tweet, that said contacts to their domestic abuse helpline increased by 33% more than their monthly average, during the last World Cup.
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, told the Echo: “My understanding is that there’s a spike of violence during football matches more broadly, not just during the World Cup. There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls across the country and it is not okay.”
The South Yorkshire Echo are running the ‘Blow the Whistle’ on domestic violence campaign, to raise awareness of the shocking domestic abuse rates at the time of the World Cup. You can donate to our fundraiser here.
