Domestic Abuse and Major Sporting Events: Looking Beyond the Beautiful Game
Domestic abuse is a serious issue that can affect individuals and families at any time, but research has shown that reports of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) often increase during major football tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup.
As we move into the height of summer, attention will naturally turn to the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For many, the main question will be whether football is finally coming home (again). However, behind the excitement, there is a side of these major sporting events that often gets far less attention.
This year, Herts Police has received on average 59 domestic abuse-related reports everyday.
Research has shown that reports of domestic abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) tend to increase around major football tournaments. A well-known study from Lancaster University found that incidents of domestic violence rise by around 38% when England lose, and perhaps more surprisingly, by 26% when England win or draw.
The emotional intensity of these events, combined with factors such as alcohol consumption and gambling may contribute to an increase in reported incidents.
The We Won, I Lost Campaign
We are proud to support local partners including Watford FC Trust, Stevenage FC Foundation, Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline, Hertfordshire Constabulary and HAB Law with their campaign to raise awareness about the link between sporting events and domestic abuse, through their powerful ‘We Won, I Lost’ graphics.
This campaign was discussed in detail at this week’s Hertsmere, St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield Domestic Abuse Conference, attended by our colleagues Janet Martland and Megan Latschrauner.
We would like to thank all the organisations involved for working together to share this important, timely and thought-provoking message across Hertfordshire and the wider region. We are pleased to support this initiative and share this article to help raise awareness of an issue that affects individuals, families and communities across the country.
As the nation comes together to support its team, it is vital to remember that no sporting result should ever be used as an excuse for abuse.
"Domestic abuse rises every time England play in a major tournament, win or lose. No result is worth her life." - HAB Law
What is Domestic Abuse? A Brief Overview
Domestic abuse can take many different forms, including:
- Psychological, emotional, or financial abuse
- Physical or sexual violence
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Threats or intimidation
- Harassment or stalking
While many people associate it with intimate partners, it can also include abuse between family members. Abuse does not have to involve physical violence to be serious. Patterns of fear, control, and manipulation can have devastating effects on victims and their families.
For more information about the types of domestic abuse, please visit the NHS website here.
Non-Molestation Orders
A Non-Molestation Order is a court order designed to protect individuals from harassment, intimidation, threats or abuse by someone with whom they have a specified family or personal connection. Under the Family Law Act 1996, the order can prohibit a perpetrator from:
- Using or threatening violence
- Contacting the victim directly or indirectly
- Harassing, intimidating, or pestering the victim
- Encouraging others to contact or harass the victim on their behalf
To apply for a Non-Molestation Order, the applicant must be an "associated person". This includes current or former spouses, civil partners, cohabitants, partners, family members and individuals who share parental responsibility for a child.
These orders provide an important legal safeguard for those experiencing domestic abuse. Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence and can result in arrest, prosecution and, in the most serious cases, a custodial sentence.
Occupation Orders
An Occupation Order is a court order that regulates who can live in the family home and how the property can be used. It can provide protection for victims of domestic abuse by addressing living arrangements and housing security.
Depending on the circumstances, an Occupation Order can:
- Require an abuser to leave the property
- Prevent them from returning to the home
- Allow a victim to return to the property
- Define which areas of the home each person can access or use
When deciding whether to make an Occupation Order, the court will consider a range of factors, including the parties' housing needs, financial resources and the welfare of any children involved. A key consideration is the "balance of harm" test, which weighs the risk of harm to the applicant and any children if the order is not made against the impact the order would have on the respondent.
Unlike a Non-Molestation Order, a breach of an Occupation Order is not automatically a criminal offence. However, where the court has attached a power of arrest, or where further offences have been committed, a breach may still result in police involvement and other serious legal consequences.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 marked a significant step forward in the protection of victims and in recognising the many forms that domestic abuse can take. It introduced, for the first time, a statutory definition of domestic abuse in England and Wales, making it clear that abuse is not limited to physical violence and can include controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse, economic abuse and other forms of harmful conduct.
The Act also introduced a number of important protections, including:
- Recognising children as victims of domestic abuse where they see, hear or otherwise experience its effects
- Preventing perpetrators and victims from directly cross-examining one another in family and civil court proceedings in specified circumstances
- Allowing the court to appoint qualified legal representatives to conduct cross-examination where required
- Improving access to support and protective measures for victims involved in legal proceedings, including special measures designed to help them give evidence safely and effectively
These changes reflect many years of campaigning by survivors, charities and organisations working to improve awareness, support and legal protections for those affected by domestic abuse.
Seeking Legal Advice and Support for Domestic Abuse
Experiencing domestic abuse can be overwhelming, and seeking advice is often an important first step towards protecting yourself and your family.
At Crane & Staples, our experienced Family Law team regularly supports clients affected by domestic abuse. We understand that every situation is different and approach each case with sensitivity, empathy and discretion.
How can a Solicitor help victims of Domestic Abuse?
A solicitor can help you:
- Understand your legal rights and options
- Apply for protective court orders, such as Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders
- Advise on child arrangements where domestic abuse is a concern
- Support you through family court proceedings
- Signpost you to specialist organisations and support services
Is Legal Aid Available?
Legal Aid may be available for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, depending on their financial circumstances and the evidence available to support their application. A solicitor can help determine whether you are eligible and guide you through the process.
Please contact us to discuss your Legal Aid eligibility.
Staying Safe and Confidential
If you are considering seeking help, it is important to do so safely. Try to access information from a secure device where possible and be mindful of your online activity if you believe someone may be monitoring your communications.
You may also wish to:
- Use a private browsing window where appropriate
- Delete your browser history after visiting support websites
- Clear your search history on search engines
- Use a trusted friend's device if you are concerned your phone, tablet or computer is being monitored
- Save important contact details somewhere safe rather than on a shared device
Any discussions with a solicitor are confidential, and seeking legal advice does not commit you to taking immediate legal action. Obtaining advice can simply help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your next steps.
If you believe your safety may be at risk, prioritise contacting a trusted support organisation, friend, family member or the emergency services.
Where to Seek Immediate Support
While legal remedies can provide important protection, there are situations where immediate support is needed. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, call 999.
The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline offers free, confidential support, advice and guidance for anyone affected by domestic abuse, whether they are experiencing abuse themselves or are concerned about someone else.
Telephone: 08 088 088 088
Email: kim@mailpurple.org
Website and Live Chat: www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org
The service is available to anyone living in Hertfordshire and can provide information about safety planning, emergency accommodation, emotional support and access to specialist services.
Further Information - The 'We Won, I Lost' Campaign
We are pleased to support the important awareness campaign led by local organisations including our colleagues at HAB Law, which highlights the link between major sporting events and domestic abuse through the powerful "We Won, I Lost" campaign.
For more information about the campaign and the support available, please visit HAB Law: https://www.hablaw.co.uk/
If you would like to speak to a member of the Crane & Staples Family Law team, please call 01707 329333 or contact us via our website.
As fans look forward to the excitement that football brings, it is important to remember that passion for the game should never come at the expense of another person's safety. Whether England win, lose or draw, domestic abuse is never acceptable.