The FIFA World Cup 2022 football tournament kicks off later this month and many people are looking forward to watching the games and supporting their team.
Shocking Statistics
Unfortunately, there are many people who are also dreading the tournament as statistics show that when England play, regardless of the result, there is an increase in domestic violence. Studies by Lancaster University from previous tournaments show instances of domestic violence increase by 38% when England lose and by 26% when the team draw or win. Although the outcome of matches has some bearing on this issue, excess alcohol consumption is also heavily linked to these shocking statistics. Excess alcohol consumption acts as an aggravating factor and a study of crime data from West Midlands Police, England’s second largest police force, which looked at the period 2010-2019 showed a 47% increase in the number of reported alcohol-related domestic abuse cases on days when the England team wins in tournaments, and an 18% increase on days after an England match.
Signs of Abuse
As an employer it is important to try and look out for signs that your employees may be the victim of domestic abuse at all times of the year but in light of these statistics it is worth being extra vigilant over the coming weeks. Domestic abuse encompasses a wide range of behavioural patterns, from physical and sexual violence to psychological, emotional, financial abuse, threatening behaviour, stalking and harassment, therefore signs may not always be obvious. An unexplained bruise or black eye will stand out, someone being unusually tearful or nervy, isolation from colleagues, frequent absence, a sudden change in personality and low self-esteem among others could all be indicators that something is wrong.
Supporting Victims
If you have a concern about a member of your team then provide them with an opportunity to have a confidential conversation. It might be nothing, it might be something. What’s important is that you are showing that you care and that you are offering support. If an employee does make a disclosure to you then provide support, information and signposting to relevant services. Your business may even think about creating a Safe Leave Policy to provide for a number of paid days of leave to deal with situations involving domestic abuse.
If you, or someone you know, is worried about or is a victim of domestic abuse then call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit Domestic Abuse Help · National Centre for Domestic Violence (ncdv.org.uk) for more information.
Do you have questions about domestic abuse of employees?
Give us a call at CUBE HR on 01282 678321, we’ll be happy to advise you and we have policies and templates available to meet every HR need.
Why not check out our first World Cup theme blog World Cup! I’m Staying Home, I’m Staying Home…
We also have a YouTube channel with loads of handy videos.
