NFL Games and Domestic Violence

We know that football fans can get a little excited when their favorite teams are on the field, and sometimes that excitement turns to violence. Videotaped incidents this year at a game between the Chargers and Raiders revealed a brawl that left a man unconscious, as well as a separate incident of a man being thrown to the ground, where he then had his head stomped on, after a game between the Falcons and Saints. These are horrific, violent incidents that have occurred out in the open, in front of hundreds, if not thousands of people. It makes one wonder what happens when there are no cameras and no crowds around.

Sunday Violence

It turns out that during football season there’s an alarming amount of violence in homes across America, particularly on Sundays. In an analysis of police reports across 700 locations across the nation, there is a 10 percent spike in domestic violence connected to upset losses for home teams, impacting women most of the time.

Contributing Factors

What makes football on a Sunday afternoon a trigger for domestic violence? The truth is, there are several factors–high emotions, alcohol, and gambling problems that lead to financial stress–that oftentimes collide to make the problem a serious threat to safety. That’s because when serious issues like these overlap, frustration and anger can bubble to the surface.

Alcohol

The culture of football is awash in alcohol. A whopping 84 percent of those polled report drinking when they watch football. Certainly, alcohol doesn’t cause domestic violence, but it clearly leads to a loss of control, which can increase the likelihood of it. The judgment impairment associated with alcohol use is clearly documented, as is the escalation of violence. Perhaps that is why alcohol is linked to as many as 60 percent of DV cases.

Gambling

Following an unexpected loss on the football field, research reveals that rates of DV jump by  roughly 10 percent, particularly in states that allow sports betting. DV is even more evident when mobile betting occurs.

Football Passion 

The combination of betting stresses and alcohol is exacerbated by anger and disappointment when a fan’s team is losing, particularly if poor refereeing is perceived to be a factor in the loss or when the pre-game point spread turns out to be way off.

One More Factor 

On top of all of this, there are more than a few fans out there whose heroes are professional football players–and there are more than a few professional football players–134, to be precise–who’ve had recent arrests for domestic violence. These role models send a terrible message to their fans, particularly young and easily influenced individuals.

You Deserve Better

If domestic violence plagues your relationship and has you dreading football season, know that you deserve better, and there are options out there. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation with the Miami domestic violence attorneys at the Law Office of Julia Kefalinos in our office today. We always advocate for you.

Source:

now.org/blog/after-the-whistle-how-nfl-games-affect-domestic-violence-rates/