TACKLING FAMILY VIOLENCE

MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS CREATE DANGER IN MANY HOUSEHOLDS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY

- Kylie Walters

Across Australia, family and friends will gather around the TV on July 9 to watch as the Blues take on the Maroons in the State of Origin decider. While for many it is a time for fun and laughs, in homes already at risk of family violence, it will become one of the most dangerous nights of the year in the place where women should feel the safest.

A 2018 study found that there is a massive surge in domestic assault incidents on State of Origin nights. The risk, on average, is 40 per cent greater than at other times.

It is a trend that Delia Donovan, the CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, continues to see today, as already stretched services are put under increasing pressure during high-profile sporting matches.