With the return of the football league, Glow are supporting a campaign urging football fans to ‘show domestic abuse the red card’ during the football season.
The campaign launched this week to coincide with the first footballs games kicking off this week. Many people will be watching the games from their homes due to the pandemic and this increases tensions within households, resulting in incidences of domestic abuse.
Football itself is not responsible for domestic abuse, it can be a source of community, where most fans watch a game without becoming aggressive. However, it does course some people to become violent and vent their anger on those who are closest to them – including their children.
Lucy Willis: “It’s great that the football season is starting up again however it’s important to remember that research shows incidents of domestic abuse increase by as much as a quarter during football tournaments. With stadiums and pubs still closed to the public, matches will be watched at home making the risk to victims of domestic abuse even greater. The result of a football match is never an excuse to hurt someone you love. Let’s show domestic abuse the red card!”
Chief Inspector Rebecca Hyde for Staffordshire Police said: “For many for the return of the football season is welcomed but for others it is a time of dread due to the heightened risk of domestic abuse.
“If you recognise that you often take it out on your partner, when the game doesn’t go your way, we want you to know that there is support available to help you change. Equally if you are the victim of domestic abuse report this to the police, always dial 999 in an emergency or seek support from a domestic abuse support service.”
Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Sue Arnold, said: “Football coming into the home could add to already heightened tensions for some, and during major tournaments, we generally see a sharp rise in domestic abuse cases. We’re working hard with our local clubs to promote the message that domestic abuse is never acceptable.”
If you need any help and support about domestic abuse, contact our team by texting 07451288150 or calling 0330 0945 559. In an emergency call 999.
