DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPER BOWL
The Super Bowl is one of the most watched games in American sports, but it is also a day when domestic violence incidents are significantly more common. According to the 1993 statistic, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of domestic violence by an intimate partner. This number increases during Super Bowl Sunday as football fans gather and watch the game at live events, parties, and bars. Although the myth of increased domestic violence during Super Bowl Sunday has been debunked by experts, the number of reports of domestic violence increases significantly.
The Super Bowl has long been associated with domestic violence claims due to a 1993 news conference by a coalition of women's groups, which brought forward significant anecdotes suggesting that Super BowlSunday was 'the biggest day of the year for violence against women'. However, the claims were not substantiated by data or statistical analysis. In 1993, Old Dominion University's study found a slight increase in hospital admissions for women on days when the Redskins won, but the findings were preliminary and cautious.
There is no scientific evidence linking Super Bowl Sunday specifically to increased domestic violence. Instead, the increased reporting of domestic violence is likely due to a combination of factors, including the following:
- Exposure to football violence: During Super Bowl Sunday, football fans may be more likely to expose themselves to football violence, such as watching violent football games, playing football with friends, or attending live football events.
- Alcohol consumption: football games often lead to heavy alcohol consumption and increased feelings of excitement and adrenaline that can lead to aggressive behavior.
- Stress and strain: football fans may experience increased levels of stress and strain during the week leading up to the game, which can be triggered by the anticipation of the game or the result of the game.
- Emotional cueing: fans may experience emotional cues from the emotional outcomes of the game that affect their mood, behavior, and domestic violence decisions.
- Pre-game hype: Super Bowl Sunday often comes with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. This can create pressure and excitement that can lead to irrational acts of domestic violence.
Despite the increased reporting of domestic violence incidents on Super Bowl Sunday, there is no evidence that Super Bowl Sunday is a particularly dangerous day for domestic violence victims. In fact, most domestic violence incidents involve intimate partners who are not watching the game, and victims of domestic violence typically experience similar patterns of domestic violence regardless of the day.
It is important for fans to recognize that domestic violence has nothing to do with the game outcome and everything to do with the power and control of abusive relationships. Fans have the power to prevent domestic violence by speaking out against abusive behavior, seeking help and support for domestic violence survivors, and promoting healthy relationships.
For more information or support visit the following resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
- Family Violence Prevention Project:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network):
- domestic violence legal aid foundation:
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- domestic violence resources page:
Domestic violence is a serious issue that is often hidden from view, but it can happen to anyone, any time, anywhere. Super Bowl Sunday is simply one day when domestic violence incidents may be more common, but it does not mean that it is inevitable or that there is nothing that can be done to prevent it.