FOOTBALL'S dark side

As we come to the end of the Euros, for some people, the season has brought nothing but terror

- FRANCES LEATE

Even those of us who don’t usually watch the game can enjoy the excitement, camaraderie and fun that comes with a big football tournament. And the 2024 UEFA Euros have been no different, whether you’re watching the games at home with family or enjoying the matches in a pub. But for some people, football season sparks fear and dread. Recent research reveals a dark side, showing that domestic violence increases by 38% when England loses a football game and 26% when they win or draw. Google searches for ‘domestic violence hotline’ increased by 80% between 30 June and 30 July 2021, overlapping with the 2021 Euros final on 11 July. But why is football causing this terrifying spike and what does it mean for victims? Woman investigates.

‘I WAS LIVING IN SURVIVAL MODE’

Rebecca Beattie, 36, lives in York.