The study also found a 71 per cent increase in non-domestic assaults during the weeks around the State of Origin series.<\/p>\n
Our Watch chief executive Patty Kinnersly urged sporting communities to address the increased risk of violence facing women during football finals.<\/p>\n
Football finals DV spike<\/a><\/p>\n As football teams across Victoria gear up for finals season, a different kind of preparation is underway in the state’s domestic violence support services.<\/p>\n She said fans could be proactive about addressing drivers of gender-based violence, including reinforcing factors such as alcohol.<\/p>\n “Violence against women is unfortunately too common, but it’s not inevitable and it certainly isn’t normal,” Kinnersly said.<\/p>\n “Everyone can think about what they can personally do to ensure violence against women is not tolerated.<\/p>\n “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 the grand final day a safer celebration.”<\/p>\n Our Watch is urging the sporting community to address the risk of gendered violence during football finals. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone\/AFL Photos)<\/p>\n In 2023, Western Victorian family violence support service Berry Street reported a 30 to 40 per cent increase in calls for help during <\/a>the AFL final series.\u00a0<\/p>\n Earlier this year, the Victoria’s Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program was axed after the release of the state budget<\/a>.<\/p>\n The initiative supported Victorian community sport and recreation in addressing gender-based violence, including family violence, sexual violence, and other forms of violence against women.<\/p>\n Chief executive of the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Kerriann Campbell-Jones told ABC support services needed stable, ongoing government funding for prevention efforts<\/a>.<\/p>\n “The reality is that we are in a crisis and women are dying weekly. We need additional funding to make this work,” Campbell-Jones said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n