The biggest weekend on Australia’s sporting calendar is likely to be a fearful time for women and children, with incidents of domestic violence expected to spike with the AFL and NRL grand finals.
As Victoria Police brace for a 20 per cent surge in family violence incidents after Saturday's AFL finale, La Trobe University’s Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, has found domestic assaults increased by more than 40 per cent in NSW on the nights of the State of Origin games.
The consumption of alcohol is implicated, either lowering inhibitions or providing cover or excuse for violent and abusive behaviour.
Consumption of alcohol implicated in spike in domestic violence cases around Grand Final time.
The June report found an increase of 40.7 per cent in domestic assaults, 71.8 per cent in non-domestic assaults and 55.2 per cent in total assaults for State of Origin nights
compared with other Wednesday nights.
There was some inconclusive evidence that the violence associated with major sporting events is more affected by sides losing than winning.
The study suggests the significant spikes in assaults on State of Origin nights are likely to reflect increases in parties, going out to bars and alcohol consumption and suggests there is some benefit in shifting the focus of major sporting events away from alcohol.
But the inherent aggression involved in sports like rugby league may mean increased violence regardless, it said.
NSW Police said it was unable to anecdotally comment on statistics or trends linking domestic violence to a specific day or time.
“Police respond to all domestic and family violence incidents when reported. If members of the community have concerns about domestic-violence, we strongly urge them to come forward and contact police.''
David Gallant and Professor Cathy Humphreys, of the University of Melbourne, called for the public to call out abuse where it occurred.
''Taking action may involve helping others to move to safety, or diverting and distracting from the triggers for violence where that is possible,'' they wrote in an article penned for the university’s website, Pursuit. ''The idea that we need to be more than a spectator is a timely reminder going into this weekend.
''Any one of us may recognise the build-up to a violent or abusive incident, or we might actually witness abusive incidents directed against women and children while attending events to watch either grand final.
''It is up to us to call out these behaviours and not simply pass them off as part of the experience of watching sport. We can all contribute to the prevention of violence against women and children and ensure that we all get to enjoy the game.''
Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
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