The World Cup will bring a “spike” in domestic violence, a women’s charity has warned. 

The contest is due to begin on 11th June, with the final scheduled for 19th July. 

On Moncrieff, Action Aid Ireland CEO Karol Balfe described sport as a source of “joy, community and people coming together”. 

However, she also warned there is a darker side to sport, noting that during the South Africa World Cup, the British Government concluded there had been a 26% increase in domestic violence when England won and a 38% increase when they lost. 

“We know during sporting events, there is increased alcohol consumption,” she said. 

“Alcohol Action Ireland have highlighted this in a really important report that shows the link between alcohol consumption, sporting events and the fact that about 70% of cases of gender-based and violence involve some kind of alcohol. 

“So, we're really saying loud and clear that this is a societal issue around gender-based violence.”

Ms Balfe continued that the link between sport and heavy drinking often go hand in hand, leading to a surge in gender based violence. 

“The Alcohol Action report highlights, there's a lot of alcohol sponsorship and advertising,” she said. 

“We find that sporting events really encourage alcohol consumption and we are seeing this risk factor for women associated with alcohol. 

“The majority of people who watch, who engage, who participate in the World Cup, you know, they will do that for the reasons of sport and coming together. 

“But we will see a spike in risk from those pre-existing perpetrators and abusers. 

“Research really clearly shows that link on a national and international level.”

'Still very much a part of their life'

Ms Balfe noted that an estimated 35% of Irish women will experience gender based violence in their lifetime and described it as a “staggering and huge human rights issue for women”. 

“We need to see more action,” she said. 

“We have seen some really positive steps by the Irish Government in terms of a zero-tolerance approach. 

“We have seen the establishment of a domestic violence agency, Cuan.

“But women's lived experience in Ireland and around the world is that gender-based violence is still very much a part of their life.” 

Anyone who has been impacted by domestic violence can contact Women’s Aid’s National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Main image: A staged photo of domestic violence. Picture by: Alamy.com.