Major sporting events such as this weekend’s AFL Grand Final, the NRL Grand Final and November’s Melbourne Cup, bring joy to many Australians, but there is a darker side to the celebrations.
La Trobe University expert Dr Kirsty Forsdike has extensive experience researching the spike in domestic violence during these major sporting events.Dr Forsdike is available to discuss the issue during these times:
- Wednesday from 11.30am - 1pm, and 2pm - 5pm
- Thursday from 12pm – 1pm, and 1.30pm - 5pm
Dr Kirsty Forsdike, Associate Dean, Research and Industry Engagement in La Trobe Rural Health School Dr Forsdike’s recent research:
Major Sports Events and Domestic Violence: A Systematic Review. Health and Social Care in the CommunityUgly side of the beautiful game: the football world cup and domestic violence
The following can be attributed to Dr Forsdike:
“There is a clear link between a major sport event such as the AFL Grand Final and an increase in domestic violence. Calls to domestic violence-related services, police and ambulance service will likely increase. 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.”
Contact details: Elaine Cooney E.Cooney@latrobe.edu.au 0487 448 734
