World Cup fever will soon be settling in over the next six weeks, particularly if you’re an England or Scotland fan. However, whilst many fans are getting excited about the event, there will be many who are dreading it.
Football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, but we know that domestic abuse spikes during men’s football tournaments, and there is evidence that shows that whenever the England men’s team plays, there is an increase in domestic abuse reports – regardless of the result. Existing abuse can become more severe or frequent during big men’s football tournaments.
Hestia aims to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence through a number of national programmes, campaigns and digital tools. We have worked with the team at Hestia to roll out their Online Safe Spaces scheme through the veterinary and animal welfare professions.
At The Links Group, we firmly believe in working in effective partnerships. We’re supporting our team mates at Hestia and within the veterinary and animal welfare communities by sharing the further free sources of support Hestia are providing for individuals and businesses, organisations, community groups through their Support Is A Team Sport campaign over the duration of the World Cup. This includes veterinary and animal welfare professionals, charities associations and businesses!
“This summer, the country will be gripped by the men’s football World Cup. While it should be a time of excitement and community, for too many it is a time of fear.
Through the #SupportIsATeamSport campaign, Hestia is raising awareness of the heightened risk of domestic abuse during men’s international football tournaments, helping people recognise the signs, and equipping them with practical actions to support those at risk.
In preparation for the World Cup, we’ve updated the Bright Sky app with guidance on how to support people during football tournaments. The app is a free, confidential tool that helps users recognise the signs of domestic abuse, access advice, and locate local safe spaces.
We’re calling on all businesses and organisations to help promote the Bright Sky app among their staff networks and encourage downloads. Let’s make the UK a safer, more supportive place for those at risk of domestic abuse, because real fans look out for more than the score.”
To find out more about how you can support your clients, your colleagues, your employees, your members, your team, your family, friends and neighbours, visit Hestia’s Support Is A Team Sport page here.
Learn more about the Bright Sky app, free to use for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or anyone who is worried about a friend, family member, or colleague.
Download their free Support Is A Team Sport toolkit and share on your social media if safe to do so.
Find out more about Hestia’s Respond to Abuse advice line, which helps employers to support employees experiencing domestic abuse, alongside other resources for the workplace.
Because domestic abuse is Everyone’s Business.
