Despite the national obsession for the World Cup in Qatar tournament, for many, football tournaments can put them at further danger from domestic abuse It’s reported that domestic abuse can increase by 26% when England win and a staggering 38% if they lose.
Children can also be affected by domestic abuse. The NSPCC found that during the previous football World Cup contacts to their Helpline about domestic abuse jumped by a third (33%) on the monthly average, reaching more than 1,000. Childline also saw a 17% increase on the monthly average for the number of counselling sessions delivered to children and young people about domestic abuse
You’re not alone. If you, or someone you know are at risk of domestic violence please do seek help from the following:
If you’re in Lewisham, call the Athena Service on 0800 112 4052 or email lewishamvawg@refuge.org.uk
Athena provides the following services, all under one roof:
- One-to-one confidential, non-judgmental, independent support
- A specialist independent gender-based violence advocacy (IGVA) team to support clients at risk of serious harm
- A specialist service for 13-19 year-old girls
- Group support
- A peer support scheme to help break isolation; build social networks and provide support clients regain control of their lives
- Volunteering opportunities
info@vestasfs.org.uk
Vesta help Polish victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse to reduce their fear of speaking up about their experiences and guide them to the most appropriate support. We help them understand the nature of abuse, its impact on their children and empower them to move forward with their lives.
info@womensaid.org.uk
We work to ensure women are believed, know abuse is not their fault and that their experiences have been understood.
Sistah Space work with African heritage women & girls who’ve experienced domestic or sexual abuse or who have lost a loved one to domestic violence.
Our survivors are from many different sections of the African & Caribbean community, including the Rastafarian/ Grassroots community – who are often on the fringes of society.
Football United
Football United Against Domestic Violence is a campaign by Women’s Aid, working with national footballing bodies, sports media, football clubs, the police, players and fans to send a clear message that domestic violence is always unacceptable. Together we aim to call out sexist behaviour that can underpin violence towards women and girls.
- Find out more via Women’s Aids Website
