Alcohol Action Ireland press release, Thursday, 22 May 2025
Ahead of another big few days of sport this weekend, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) is releasing its second and final report into the links between alcohol consumption and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), this time looking at the particular aspect of alcohol consumption around big sporting events and the impact it has on DSGBV.
In its latest publication, ‘Alcohol, sport and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence’, AAI brings together national and international evidence that looks at alcohol consumption around sports events, live and/or televised, and the role alcohol plays in incidences of domestic violence. There is a significant body of research suggesting a complex relationship between sports, alcohol consumption and domestic violence.
AAI CEO Dr Sheila Gilheany said: “With domestic violence incidents reported to gardai showing a 10% year-on-year rise since 2021 to more than 65,000 cases last year, AAI believes that all drivers of DSGBV must be looked at in the effort to eradicate this toxic and pervasive issue in Irish society.
“Alcohol sponsorship of sport and advertising around sporting events is the keystone for a wide range of alcohol marketing activity in Ireland and abroad which aims to build links between alcohol, sports and elite athletes and which ultimately drives consumption of alcohol. We know that increased alcohol consumption is associated with a rise in DSGBV, so this is an area that needs to be looked at closely by government.
“Sport is particularly attractive for commercial sponsors as it provides positive brand associations and a gateway to global audiences. It must be stated that major sporting events do not cause domestic violence, as perpetrators are responsible for their actions, but the levels of alcohol consumption linked to the highly charged emotional nature of such events seems to increase the prevalence of such incidents.
“Moreover, research also argues that social contexts where excessive drinking is encouraged, such as through the promotion of alcohol during sporting events, are often permissive of violent behaviour and sexism, which can increase the likelihood of alcohol-related domestic abuse.”
Some of the research in the report shows:
- Data from Greater Manchester Police analysing the timing of Man Utd and Man City football matches and domestic abuse incidences over a period of eight years – almost 800 matches – showed a 5% decrease in DSGBV incidents during the 2-hour duration of a game followed by an increase peaking 10-12 hours after the match.
- The research further showed that increases in domestic abuse were driven by increases in alcohol-related domestic abuse incidents following early games, while abuse caused by non-alcoholised perpetrators remained stable and games scheduled later in the day did not lead to an increase in abuse.
- There is a rise in domestic violence incidences after an upset loss, concentrated in a narrow time window near the end of the game, and that such episodes of violence are larger for more important games.
Dr Gilheany continued: “Given there is a significant body of research suggesting a complex relationship between sports, alcohol consumption and domestic violence, the need for prevention is central to addressing these issues. Reducing alcohol consumption across the whole of population has a significant role to play. This can be achieved by using the World Health Organisation’s ‘best buys’ – controls on pricing, marketing and availability.
“There must be a focus on changing cultural norms and creating systems of support for both those affected by and those at risk of engaging in violence. Therefore, there is scope for athletes, clubs, counties, provinces, and national governing to play a role in tackling alcohol harm and DSGBV, while at national level it is imperative that government and state agencies ensure that the Public Health (Alcohol) Act is implemented in full.
“AAI believes there is a need to tackle the manufactured relationship linking alcohol and sport by tackling the mechanisms deployed by the alcohol industry to create and sustain this link. It is time to ban alcohol sports sponsorship.”
ENDS
NOTES
‘Alcohol and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence’ can be accessed here
‘Alcohol, sport and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence’ can be accessed here
