As the dust settles on Euro 2024, with Spain’s nail-biting 2:1 victory over England still fresh in our minds, it’s time to look beyond the pitch and confront a sobering reality that persisted throughout the tournament.
While millions celebrated each goal and mourned every defeat, a darker pattern emerged behind closed doors. The statistics are stark: domestic abuse incidents spiked by 47% when England won matches, and by 38% when they lost. Even more troubling, there was a consistent 26% increase in abuse cases whenever the national team played, regardless of the outcome.
These figures aren’t just numbers; they represent real people, real families, and real suffering. Euro 2024 was no exception.
Research from the Journal of Public Economics sheds light on this phenomenon, suggesting that football games fundamentally change the dynamics of domestic abuse victimisation on game days. On average, incidents between current partners peaked 8 to 10 hours after matches. When games were played early and alcohol was involved, the cumulative increase in domestic abuse was even more pronounced.
This tournament, like others before it, saw emergency response resources stretched thin due to the increase in domestic abuse before, during, and after matches. It’s a pattern that repeats with alarming regularity, challenging our law enforcement and support services.
However, there is hope on the horizon. Advancements in technology are providing new tools to combat this issue. For instance, AI-powered platforms like those developed by Untrite are helping police forces respond more effectively to domestic abuse calls, improving response times and accuracy in data collection during high-stress situations.
In a recent case study with Humberside Police Control Room, Untrite Thrive demonstrated significant benefits:
- A 29% reduction in domestic abuse call handling times, saving approximately 7 minutes 50 seconds per call. With about 25,200 domestic abuse calls per year, this represents a saving of 3,290 hours for FCR operators in one control room.
- The AI model provides resource assistance equivalent to 1.9 FTE operators, solely for domestic abuse calls.
- Reduced call waiting times, which is crucial during peak periods like football matches.
- More accurate data capturing and fewer human errors, ensuring that the foundational data flowing into police systems and risk scoring calculations is accurate.
Perhaps most importantly, Untrite Thrive acts as a “safety net” for operators, reducing stress and enabling them to provide higher quality service to the public. This is particularly crucial when dealing with the influx of calls during major sporting events.
We need to act swiftly to prevent dangers
As we reflect on Spain’s victory and England’s valiant effort, let’s also remember those for whom these events brought fear rather than joy. The Women’s Aid campaign puts it succinctly:
“We don’t let violence on the pitch go unpunished. So why is abuse at home tolerated?”
Moving forward, it’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness about this issue and support initiatives that address domestic abuse. While we celebrate the beautiful game, we must also work towards a future where everyone feels safe, regardless of what’s happening on the pitch. As we bid farewell to Euro 2024, let’s carry forward not just memories of spectacular goals and near misses, but also a renewed commitment to tackling the hidden impact of football on domestic abuse. It’s a match we must win, for the sake of all those affected.
For anyone feeling unsafe or in need of support, remember that help is always available. In the UK, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0808 2000 247. For online support and information, visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk. In an emergency, always call 999.
Photo credit: Neil Raja
