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Over the past few years, a clear correlation between England’s domestic abuse and football has been revealed.

A 2014 study conducted by Lancaster University concluded that when England lost a match, domestic violence and abuse cases rose by a staggering 38 percent.

This year, in the heated 2024 Euro Final, Spain beat England by 2-1.

As disappointing as this result for England, women may unjustly have to face severe consequences due to this loss.

Research papers Domestic violence and football in Glasgow: are reference points relevant? and Football, alcohol and domestic abuse, both identified that domestic violence calls decreased during matches, which suggests that the perpetrators are distracted from the game or away from their partners, such as in a pub.

However, following the match, it has been recorded that there has been a steep rise in domestic abuse calls.

For instance, during the 2020 Euros, support services reported that there was an increase of 79 percent in calls regarding domestic abuse and violence.

Women may not be spared from the violence, even in the event that English does win their match.

The Lancaster University study also revealed that there was a 26 percent rise in domestic abuse and violence even when England won a football match or when it ended with a draw.

However, this statistic only accounts for those who actually reported the abuse, and there may be even more victims that have faced such abuse that go unreported.

Therefore with the 2024 Euro games, there has been a growing concern for the rise of domestic abuse after the match.

In an effort to prevent such atrocious acts, women’s organizations, such as Women’s Aid, Solace, and the National Centre for Domestic Violence have created campaigns.

This includes the nationwide campaign ‘No More Injury Time’, which hopes to raise awareness and encourage victims to seek help.

Furthermore, ahead of the Euros Final, the UK police were issued to create awareness on this matter, noting that excessive drinking may exacerbate violence and harassment.

Football, for some, has long been an environment where sexist comments are easily passed off as banter, and therefore, such behaviors are often unchallenged.

In a culture where misogynist behavior is normalized, it paves a way for more serious abuse to be brushed off.

Thus, it is crucial to bring awareness and challenge sexist and misogynist attitudes that are the root cause of violence against women.

Promoting networks, such as domestic abuse charities, that help victims find support and relief is also vital in these efforts to stop this issue.

Sports are no excuse for violence: there is a clear line between passion and aggression.

Therefore, it is important to foster a community where both men and women can enjoy football without fear.