As excitement builds ahead of the AFL and NRL grand finals, experts have warned that rates of domestic and family violence are expected to spike over the coming weekends.
Victorian-based family violence service Berry Street said it experienced a 30 to 40 per cent increase in demand for its services around the AFL grand final weekend last year.
Heidi Reid, Executive Director of Berry Street, said her organisation was preparing for a similar increase in demand during this year’s AFL grand final.
“Footy finals is a chance to celebrate and connect around our favourite code or club. But in different homes, in the same suburbs, footy finals bring fear and dread,” Reid said.
“The game that represents pride, anticipation and excitement for many; means threats of aggression, violence and terror for others.
“This year, as in many before, in the lead-up to grand finals, Berry Street and numerous other domestic and family violence services prepare for the inevitable influx of victim survivors after the game.”
In previous years, Victorian police have spoken about grand final weekend as one of the busiest days of the year in terms of family violence, noting a 20 per cent increase in incidents.
The figures are just as distressing in NSW, where services expect increases in incidents during the NRL grand final and State of Origin matches. In 2018, a La Trobe University study found that domestic assaults increased by more than 40 per cent in NSW on the nights of State of Origin.
Domestic violence incidents also surge on the day of the Melbourne Cup.
Associate Dean at La Trobe Rural Health School, Dr Kirsty Forsdike says there is “a clear link” between major sporting events like the AFL grand final and an increase in domestic violence.
“Calls to domestic violence-related services, police and ambulance service will likely increase,” Dr Forsdike said.
“What we are less clear about is the role that alcohol and gambling plays at this time in increasing the risk of domestic violence and its severity. This needs to be examined, along with why certain sports are linked to an increase in domestic violence but not others, if we are to reduce domestic violence around these events in Australia.”
While alcohol consumption is not the cause of or an excuse for violence, research shows it is associated with the likelihood of family violence occurring and the severity of harms that result from this violence. In Australia, alcohol is estimated to be involved in between 23 per cent and 65 per cent of all family violence incidents reported to police.
The AFL grand final takes place this Saturday, while the NRL grand final takes place the following weekend.
If you or someone you know if in immediate danger, call 000.
If you need help and advice call 1800Respect on 1800 737 732, Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.