Football, Domestic Abuse and Why Awareness Matters
Major football tournaments bring excitement, community and celebration for many people. However, evidence has consistently shown that incidents of domestic abuse can increase during these events.
For anyone feeling unsafe, support is available, please reach out.
June is Pride Month a time to celebrate love, identity, and the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a time to acknowledge and support LGBTQ+ people who are affected by domestic abuse. Abuse can happen in any relationship, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, but LGBTQ+ survivors often face unique barriers when seeking help.
LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse may face additional obstacles, such as:
Threats of being “outed” to family, friends, or at work
Fear of discrimination or not being believed
Family rejection or lack of safe support networks
Services that do not feel inclusive or understanding
Abuse related to identity, like controlling how someone expresses their gender or sexuality
Abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships can include:
Emotional and psychological abuse
Coercive control and isolation
Financial control and manipulation
Physical or sexual violence
Identity‑based abuse, such as “If you leave me, I’ll tell everyone you’re trans.”
Abuse is about power and control, not gender. Every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and supported.
Our commitment to Inclusive Support
At Havering Women’s Aid, we are dedicated to providing support that is:
Non‑judgemental and confidential
Inclusive and respectful of all identities
Trauma‑informed and tailored to individual needs
No one should feel unsafe in their own home — and no one should feel unsafe asking for help.
You are not alone.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to remember that help is available. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported.
This Pride Month and every month, Havering Women’s Aid is here for all survivors of domestic abuse.
Reach out to us if you need support.
We wear Denim to stand with survivors and challenge victim-blaming.
Clothing NEVER causes abuse.
Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator.
Join us. Wear Denim. Start Conversations. The development of Denim Day began in Italy in 1992, when an 18-year-old girl was raped by her driving instructor. Initially, the perpetrator was convicted of indecent exposure in a public place, but after an appeal by the Survivor, he was convicted of all charges and sentenced to jail. However, a few years later, the perpetrator appealed his conviction and the Italian Supreme Court overturned the rape charge, arguing that the victim’s tight jeans implied consent, as she must have helped remove them.
We support children and young people aged 16-25 who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Abuse can be from someone you are in a relationship with, or have been in a relationship with, it can also be from a family member. It can also happen after the relationship has ended. We can support you to make safer choices in your relationships.
YPVA’s provide one-on-one support to young people, helping them understand their experiences and offering guidance on how to stay safe. They advocate on behalf of the young person, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard.
YPVA’s educate young people about healthy relationships, consent, and the dynamics of domestic abuse. YPVA’s assess the risk levels of the young person and work with young people to develop personalised safety plans, which may include strategies for staying safe at home, school/college/work, and in the community.
YPVAs offer emotional support, helping young people process their experiences and build resilience.