Football doesn't want to talk about its domestic violence problem
There is always a lot of talk about domestic violence during major international tournaments, but why does so little of this come from within the game itself and what can *we* do?
The figures are as damning as they are shaming. If a major international football tournament is taking place, women should be even more afraid of men than they usually are. An oft-cited 2013 study carried out by the Lancaster University showed that reported incidents of domestic violence in England increase by 38% when the national team is eliminated.
But it’s also clear that this is an even broader problem than men coming home drunk and angry after their team has lost a football match. Even in cases when teams win or draw, it was shown that reported incidents rise by 26%. In a week during which we’ve all been shocked by the murder of three women in one family, what is actually being done with it.
Further research has offered more granular detail about how this all plays out. A 2021 study carried out by academics from the London School of Economics, the University of Zagreb and the Copenhagen Business School found that:
Matches change the dynamic of domestic abuse victimisation on match days themselves.
On average, domestic abuse between current partners peaks 8 to 10 hours after the game.
These effects are driven by games with an earlier kick-off and when the perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol.
When games are early and the perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol, football matches lead to an overall cumulative increase in domestic abuse.
Earlier games allow perpetrators a longer period of drinking, leading to a peak in domestic abuse by perpetrators under the influence of alcohol in the late evening.
Of course, this is a conversation that football doesn’t seem to want to have. It is notable from researching this subject that all conversation on the matter comes from outside the game. This isn’t a completely black and white issue. Wiltshire FA, for example, are to be commended for partnering with FearFree's 'Own Your Game' campaign at the start of this tournament.
But it’s been ten years since the FA backed Women’s Aid's campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence and battle the sexist and misogynist attitudes that underpin abuse against women. Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood has been in the spotlight this summer largely because of his likely move to Marseille, while the comments of the club’s new head coach Roberto De Zerbi have left him deservedly under fire.
And it’s also notable that it’s figures from outside of the game that are speaking out against it. The highest-profile campaign against domestic violence in and around football this summer has been Women’s Aid’s No More Years of Hurt campaign, while the pushback against Greenwood going to Marseille to earn tens of thousands of pounds a week has come from the city mayor and the club’s fans rather than anyone within the game.
But in the meantime, what can we do? Domestic violence should be a black and white matter, one with very clear right and very clear wrong answers. This is a subject which tends to fall outside of the remit of even our toxic 21st century culture wars, but it feels as though it remains a topic that seems uncomfortable for many to talk about. So let’s have a look at some practical things that we can do:
Don’t approach the subject defensively: Look, I get it. You open social media and it’s men this, men that, men the other. This is where the ‘Not All Men’ meme came from in the first place. But remember that if you’re not an abuser, they’re not talking about you. It becomes considerably more difficult to even address the subject if our first response is to get defensive. Get through that initial sting, remember why women are so frustrated in the first place, and connect with the subject in a positive frame of mind.
Bring the subject out into the open: Domestic violence is often considered a ‘private’ matter, a state of affairs which suits those who perpetrate it very nicely indeed. We still need a cultural shift in the way in which we talk about it, so be that change. Remember that men talking about this matter does carry weight, so use that heft for good!
Call out misogyny where and when you see it: None of this happens in a bubble. As Kaur et al point out, “Cultural mores, religious practices, economic and political conditions may set the precedence for initiating and perpetuating domestic violence, but ultimately committing an act of violence is a choice that the individual makes out of a range of options.” So call it out when you see it and make a contribution towards creating a culture in which no-one will accept it.
Support women’s aid charities: Funding for the victims of domestic violence is at an all-time low, and women’s aid charities provide vital services for women looking to flee domestic violence. Misogyny is thousands of years old and we may never be able to completely eradicate domestic violence, but even if we can’t manage that, then we should support services that carry out vital work to protect victims in a deeply imperfect world.
Pressurise your clubs: Although major tournaments see a spike in domestic violence, it is not a problem that begins and ends with them. If you feel that your club isn’t doing enough to speak out against violence against women, let them know your feelings. Remember that this isn’t or shouldn’t be a tribal issue.
Talk about it: This isn’t a matter of sitting your friends in a circle and wagging your finger at them. It’s more about making tackling it a priority within your own mindset. If the subject does come up in casual conversation, speak out vociferously against it. Make it clear that you will not tolerate it, and that this is a type of behaviour that should see its perpetrators completely marginalised.
Pay attention to alcohol (ab)use: There is a clear link between alcohol consumption and domestic violence. So if you’re at the pub watching a match, encourage those who you can encourage to temper their consumption.
Report it if you hear it: As has been established above, domestic violence spikes hours after the final whistle, so the immediate aftermath isn’t the time when you may see or hear of it. If you hear unpleasant sounds coming from next door, call the damn police. We all know that their responses to such incidents can be subpar, but nothing at all will happen if you don’t report what you’ve heard at all. Call 999 rather than 101. Domestic violence is a situation in which the victim is in immediate danger.
Support survivors: The charity Refuge has a comprehensive list of things that you can do to support those who have escaped domestic violence. Most importantly, offer them a safe space to talk, believe them, and let them know that it’s not their fault and that they’re not alone.
Prevention is better than cure: In terms of both coercive and abusive relationships, there is a clear link (PDF) between the way in which children are raised and their future attitudes towards women. Show them female role models from an early age, speak positively about them and don’t denigrate women in front of them. It may be impossible to end domestic violence completely in one fell swoop, but by bringing through a generation of young men who respect women more, we can at least have an appreciative effect for future generations of women.
This is not “football’s” fault. The game itself is a conduit, a blank slate onto which we project the society in which we live. But these headlines come about with a grinding regularity, and there is action that we can all take in order to ensure the safety of all women. And even though it’s not the fault of the game itself, those who administer it should take greater action to make it clear that we will not tolerate it, whether we’re talking about national associations, clubs, or players and managers. It really isn’t too much to ask.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised above or are worried about a friend or loved one, here are some sources of support;
Childline - 0800 1111
You can speak to a councillor on the phone or online. The number is free and will not come up on your phone bill.NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
This is a number for over-18s, if you are worried about a child’s safety. This is free on landlines and most mobile phones.National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
This is a free 24 hour number. It is usually for over 18s but they may be able to help if you are over 16.Refuge
Services for young women including independent domestic violence advocates and support workers.Respect Not Fear
This website includes information about respect in relationships.Rape Crisis
This website contains advice about rape and sexual violence and gives the details of the nearest Rape Crisis Centre if you need support.
Great topic to cover Ian, and excellent points raised. It needs more coverage imo.