14 June 2024 , 23:00
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Police are targeting violence against women during the Euros.
Special patrol cars will be deployed during England matches, teaming officers with domestic violence experts trained to support victims. Suspects will be watched and officers are said to be on the lookout to make arrests and bring charges. The UK’s Football Policing Unit has provided a strategy for all forces in England and Wales, outlining the need to protect victims and pursue offenders.
Football has long been linked with violence against women. In 2022 Lancaster University found violent domestic abuse rose 38% when England’s men’s team lost a match. Incidents increased by 26% if England played and 11% next day, win or lose. Met Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Domestic Abuse, said: “The intense highs and lows of a tournament can act as a catalyst for abuse.
Assistant Metropolitan Police Commissioner Louisa Rolfe meets community groups to discuss domestic violence (PA)“Our strategy will help forces prepare for this, working with partner agencies to target perpetrators and safeguard victims. Factors such as the weather, which countries are playing and when matches are scheduled all have an impact on domestic abuse.
“Key to our work is collecting data and learning so we can best protect victims. I encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to seek help early from police or a support service.” Farah Nazeer, of Women’s Aid, said: “One in four women will experience domestic abuse. It is vital we are aware of when these dangers might increase.”
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And a law firm found that Google searches for ‘domestic violence hotline’ increased by 80% between 30 June and 30 July 2021, overlapping with the 2021 Euros final on July 11. The Mirror’s Justice For Our Daughters campaign is calling for domestic abuse specialists in 999 call centres, in line with Labour’s pledge - which will help to tackle domestic violence. But why are things so fraught when football is on?
Karen Gray, lawyer and domestic abuse expert at Higgs LLP, said at the time: "Few people are aware that incidents of domestic abuse increase significantly during major football tournaments, whether they win, lose or draw. Unfortunately, football often comes hand in hand with increased drinking, drug-taking, and gambling, which can all exacerbate domestic abuse."