Our Watch, an Australian foundation that works to prevent violence against women and children, reports increased domestic violence against women during football match finals

Australian national leader in preventing violence against women and children, Our Watch, has reported that women face increased domestic violence during football match finals ahead of the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final this Saturday.

According to Our Watch, during the AFL Grand Final, Victoria Police prepare for a 20% increase in violence against women.

In 2023, Victorian family violence support service Berry Street reported a 30 to 40% increase in calls for help during the AFL final. Unfortunately, earlier this year, Victoria's Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program was removed due to the state budget, making this issue worse.

On State of Origin Nights, an annual best-of-three rugby league competition in Australia between the teams of New South Wales and Queensland, domestic assaults in New South Wales increase by 40%, according to La Trobe University.

The study also reported a 71% increase in non-domestic assaults during the weeks around the State of Origin series.

This is made worse by alcohol consumption. Our Watch has reported that alcohol can weaken men’s empathy, care, concern and respect for the women around them.

Our Watch voiced that sporting leaders need to do more to shape a safer culture for women. Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly stated:

“Everyone can think about what they can personally do to ensure violence against women is not tolerated. Whether it's calling out disrespect when they see it, cheering on their team without resorting to aggression, or looking out for their mates, we can all make Grand Final day a safer celebration…

Our Watch supports efforts across the community to reduce harm caused by alcohol. We know that contributing factors, when combined with disrespect and harmful gender stereotypes, can make men’s violence towards women more frequent and severe…

To prevent violence from happening in the first place, we need to improve club cultures across all sporting codes. That begins with promoting respect for women, adopting codes of conduct that have zero tolerance for violence and disrespect, and ensuring the responsible service of alcohol. We want everyone to be safe from violence on Grand Final day.”

The official statement can be found here.

1800RESPECT is Australia's national counselling and support service for people affected by family, domestic, and sexual violence.

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