Euros DA worries

As Swindon gears up for football fever with the start of the Euros 2024 this week, Swindon
Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) is calling for more people to be aware of the
signs of domestic abuse.

Research shows that incidents of domestic abuse are increased around major football
matches, with an average increase of 47% on the days where England has won a World
Cup or European Championship match*.

The timing of the match can also have an impact on domestic abuse victims too, with
incidents peaking from 3 hours before a match to up to 10 hours afterwards. Further
research shows the connection between being under the influence of alcohol and domestic
abuse and so particularly when games are early and the perpetrator is under the influence of
alcohol, football matches lead to an overall cumulative increase in domestic abuse**.

With the countdown to England’s first match now on, taking place on Sunday against Serbia,
Chief Executive Officer of SDASS Jo Eamey is calling for Swindon to be on the lookout for
signs of domestic abuse and urges victims to come forward for help. She said: “Football
matches like the Euros 2024 can be a frightening time for victims of domestic abuse. Where
emotions are running high, often coupled with excessive alcohol, we know that incidents are
more likely to happen whether England win or lose.

“This year a number of matches will also be happening relatively early in the day, with a 2pm
UK time kick-off and so as the tournament progresses and with England predicted to do well
this year, we’ll be working hard to keep victims safe.

“We’re working closely with the police in order to provide support and help for victims during
this time but domestic abuse often goes unreported and unspoken. We want everyone in
Swindon to be able to spot the signs of abuse in their friends and family. Whilst injuries can
sometimes be easy to spot, domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Signs to look out for
where someone may be being abused – physically, emotionally, financially or otherwise –
could include a change in their behaviour, withdrawing from friendships and social situations
and increased anxiety, especially relating to ensuring their partner is happy.

“Our free, confidential helpline is available 24 hours a day and our trained staff are always
on hand to provide help and guidance, as well as practical support for those wanting to free
themselves of abuse. We want to see Swindon come together to spot the signs and help put

an end to domestic abuse. Whilst we will be cheering for England, we want the only losers
to be the teams we face on the pitch, not those at home.”

If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse, call the confidential
24/7 Helpline, which is always answered by an Advisor, on 01793 610610.

Ends

Notes to editors

*Research from Warwick Business School – https://www.wbs.ac.uk/news/domestic-abuse-
increases-almost-50-per-cent-after-england-win-at-world-cup/

**Research published in the Journal of Public Economic, February 2024 –
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004727272300213X?via%3Dihub

For additional information please contact Eleanor Butler, Vox PR, on 07775 943 085 or
eleanor@voxonline.co.uk
ABOUT SDASS: Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service is free and confidential, serving
Swindon and the surrounding area. Our service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
supporting ALL victims of domestic violence.
Originally founded in 1974 as Swindon Women’s Aid, SDASS operates a purpose-built
secure refuge with 22 individual flats which can accommodate lone females or mothers with
dependent children and has a dedicated team of trained staff. In the community SDASS has
a network of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) who work with victims not
staying in the Refuge, and have Advisors within the Great Western Hospital, Doctor
Surgeries and Health Centres across the town.
A specialist Children and Young People’s team supports the specific needs of children both
within the Refuge and also in the Community. Our Training Programmes not only help
victims understand their situation to help them move forward but also provide general
education to young people about healthy relationships.
Increased emphasis is being placed on prevention and a new team has been established to
advise those who have concerns about their behaviour and its impact on their relationships.
Our fundraising shop in the Parade in Swindon is open 6 days a week, staffed entirely by
volunteers – quality donations always welcome.
Our dedicated helpline – 01793 610610 – is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The
phone is always answered by an advisor.