Euros prompt heartfelt anti-violence plea by survivors of domestic abuse

15 June 2024 , 18:33

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Zoe Dronfield has warned that 'football can trigger violence in relationships' (Image: Coventry Live/Tristan Potter)

Survivors of domestic abuse and others affected by the issue are supporting a call to promote awareness during the Euros.

It comes as Women’s Aid launched a campaign to warn Brits that "big tournaments" can leave victims feeling "fearful" due to pre-existing incidents. The charity has addressed how such events can cause a spike in attacks which are often hidden behind closed doors. Women's Aid referenced to a stark study which revealed an increase of 38% in cases of domestic abuse after football matches.

Teresa Parker, who is head of media at the charity, hopes that by raising awareness on the topic, more survivors will come forward. “While football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, incidents can spike after big football games, so it is vital we signpost to support and also start important conversations to let survivors know they will be believed if they speak out," she stressed.

Zoe was left for dead by her partner (Newsteam)

The Mirror has spoken to survivors and the family of victims who have shared how "women will be dreading the next month", as they bear the brunt of rage fuelled by football. Zoe Dronfield was beaten and left for dead in a horrific attack by her ex-partner, Jason Smith.

She has been campaigning for the last ten years for greater support for survivors of domestic abuse, and for abusers to be added to the same register as sex offenders. Zoe, 47, says: “I have seen myself how football matches can trigger violence in relationships. At any kind of celebration, emotions are heightened, there is more alcohol available, and it can lead to violence. Added to this, there are fewer pubs than there used to be, so more people are drinking at home.

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Zoe was hospitalised with serious injuries following an eight-hour attack (Newsteam)

Zoe was stabbed and beaten by her ex-boyfriend (Newsteam)

"In an abusive relationship, if your team loses, your partner pays the price. There will be so many women, and some men, who are on tenterhooks at home during the tournament. They need England to win – because if they don’t, they get beaten up. Violence in the home is the worst, because it’s secret. We never think it will happen to us and it is really hard to speak out. I’d urge women to speak to the police, and if they are not getting the response they want, please contact domestic abuse charities who will advocate on your behalf. Women need to support women.”

Jason Smith was setenced in court after he brutally attacked Zoe

Lorraine Henshaw’s daughter, Sarah, was murdered by her ex-partner in her own home in June 2023. The first anniversary of her death will take place during the tournament. Lorraine, 51, says: “'I am a football fan, and I am looking forward to the Euros, but I know that people will be drinking more and there will be frustration, especially if the team doesn't do well.

"In the back of my mind, I think of all the women stuck at home with violent partners and it is such a worry. We need to educate domestic abusers and we also need friends, family and neighbours to look out for the signs of domestic abuse, particularly during the Euros.

Lorraine Henshaw says the 'pain is as raw now' as the day her daughter died (FOCUS FEATURES)

Sarah Henshaw was tragically murdered in 2023 (FOCUS FEATURES)

"For anyone who doesn't feel safe, please speak out and get support. I know it isn't easy but it could save your life. It's an exciting time for the country but some women will be dreading the next month and we all need to bear that in mind. It’s the first anniversary of Sarah’s death next week and we will gather as a family and release balloons. The pain is as raw now as it was the day she died. I hope by speaking out, I can save another life, in my daughter's name."

The Mirror recently spoke to former Miss England, Rehema Muthamia, who has teamed up with Solace Women's Aid and A-Sisterhood, to raise awareness over domestic abuse during the Euros. Rehema, who was the country's first black Miss England in 2021, has previously endured an abusive relationship. She told us: "I was one of the lucky ones. I didn't have children or financial ties.

Rehema Muthamia is raising awareness over domestic violence and football (Focus Features)

Rehema is an ambassador for Solace Women's Aid (Focus Features)

"I meet women who have been battered, women who have had to leave their own country to escape violence. By speaking out, and raising the issue of domestic abuse, we hope attitudes will change. There is always an increase in domestic abuse when England play football and so the Euros is a time to be extra-vigilant."

Influencer Alice Liveing has urged Brits to remember that the Euros can be an "especially difficult time". She is supporting the Women's Aid campaign after the charity helped her overcome an abusive relationship, which saw her boyfriend assault her at the mere age of 16. Donations raised in the fundraising campaign will go towards “life-saving services” so Women's Aid can “continue to help women and children living in fear of domestic abuse”, says the charity.

Ms Liveing, who started working with Women’s Aid in 2018, explained that "your donations could save lives". She continued: “I was drawn to working with the charity after experiencing my own case of domestic abuse when I was only 16-years-old, in the first relationship that I got into. I feel so passionate about supporting the invaluable work that they do. While you’re watching the Euros this summer, remember that for a lot of women and children it’s going to be an especially difficult and scary time. Your donations could save lives.”

Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, added: "With one in four women experiencing domestic abuse during their lifetime, it is important now more than ever to raise awareness and help them and their children take those first vital steps towards a life free from abuse.”

GoFundMe confirmed they will match the first £5,000 donated to the campaign. To visit the fundraiser see here.

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If you would like to seek help, you can visit the Women's Aid information support page on their website here. Survivors can also reach help through the Solace Advice Line by calling 08088025565 or by emailing them at advice@solacewomensaid.org.

Alternatively, you can also contact A-Sisterhood via call on 07968369588 or by email at paula@a-sisterhood.org.uk.

Ann Cusack