It has long been recognised that there is a strong correlation between major sporting events and increased reports of domestic abuse.
Research conducted by Lancaster University in 2014 revealed a 38% increase in domestic abuse reports when England loses and a 26% increase when the team wins or draws.
Unfortunately, this trend does not appear to have changed drastically over the last decade as The National Centre for Domestic Violence corroborated these findings during the 2018 World Cup, reporting a 25% rise in domestic abuse cases on days when England played.
In the wake of this year’s Euros, The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) have reported that there were 351 domestic abuse incidents reported as being football related.
What is Domestic Abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines the following behaviour as being abusive :
(a) physical or sexual abuse;
(b) violent or threatening behaviour;
(c) controlling or coercive behaviour;
(d) economic abuse;
(e) psychological, emotional or other abuse;
Are you a victim of domestic abuse?
Domestic Abuse can affect anybody, at any time regardless of sex, age, race or socio-economic position.
It is a misconception that domestic abuse occurs only between intimate partners or that only women can be victims; abuse can occur within familial relationships, such as between parents and children, siblings and the wider family.
Abuse does not discriminate by gender – Respect, the UK charity seeking to prevent perpetrators of domestic abuse, recorded a 24% increase in calls to its Men’s Advice Line and a 39% increase to the Respect Phoneline during the Euros.
There is often the perception of a stigma attached to victims of domestic abuse meaning that the reporting rate is likely under-representative as to the scale if the issue.
Powers of the Family Court:
The Family Courts remain alive to the issue of domestic abuse and have the power to make emergency protective injunctions, namely Non-Molestation Orders, to secure the immediate health, safety and well-being of victims and any associated children.
Non-Molestation Orders will include prohibitions, outlining the things that the respondent, (the perpetrator) must not do. Typically, this will include not to threaten, contact, approach or otherwise engage with the Applicant (person seeking to be protected by the order).
Effect of Non-Molestation Orders
Non-Molestation Orders are intended to protect victims of domestic abuse perpetrated by ‘connected persons’ by preventing a perpetrator from acting or behaving in a certain way.
To breach a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Help and Support for victims of domestic abuse in Staffordshire:
- 999 – if there is immediate risk to life.
- Staffordshire Women’s Aid – 01270 253179
- New Era Domestic Abuse service – Victim helpline: 0300 303 3778
- Glow (supporting North Staffordshire): 0330 0945 559
- Pathway (supporting Lichfield and Tamworth): 01543 676800
If you do wish for assistance with family proceedings, please feel free to contact our office on 01785 336617 to arrange an initial free appointment to speak with one of our advisers.