In 2020 alone, there were 63,058 domestic violence incidents reported across the state of New Jersey. It is an undeniably prevalent issue.
For many years, a significant portion of the general public has believed that domestic violence against women increases on Super Bowl Sunday. However, others aren’t so sure whether women are indeed in more danger during and after the big game. If society wants to do better at protecting all citizens from harm, it’s essential to get to the bottom of this issue.
Does Violence Against Women Increase On Super Bowl Sunday?
There is very little evidence that women are in more danger of sustaining violence and abuse on Super Bowl Sunday as compared to any other day of the year. Some studies have suggested that “upset losses” (when a team is expected to win but doesn’t) can lead to increased violence against women due to the emotional investment in the game.
Still, even these studies show that this type of violence is spread throughout the season, not just concentrated on one day. In fact, many factors can contribute to increases in domestic violence rates, including:
- Holidays
- Weather patterns
- Media trends
- Community factors
- Relationship dynamics
This is why it’s essential to pay attention to the issue of domestic violence every day of the year.
What Contributes To The Perception Of Increased Violence During The Super Bowl?
In 1993, media bias watchdog group Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting published a report entitled “A Wake-Up Call on Domestic Violence.” This report highlighted the fact that NBC Sports had aired a public service announcement related to domestic violence during the Super Bowl that year.
The report then suggested that the Super Bowl pushes men predisposed to violent behavior to act out on their aggression due to heavy drinking and betting while watching violence on the football field. The organization wrote that a journalist had discovered that a quarter of men seeking help to stop their behavior admitted to acting violently after viewing a sports game.
Though the report did point out that domestic violence is in no way limited to Super Bowl Sunday, it didn’t stop people from linking the two. Even before 1993, other media outlets were calling Super Bowl Sunday a “day of dread for women,” supposedly citing studies that showed that domestic violence hotlines receive more calls from victims on Super Bowl Sunday.
Some, like the Washington Post, have been on a mission to debunk the myth that Super Bowl Sunday is a dangerous day for women. However, many experts have found it challenging to break the association.
Good Outcomes From Unfortunate Situations
Domestic violence affects 12 million people every year — men and women included. In fact, 25% of men have reported experiencing domestic violence at the hands of an intimate partner in their lifetime. It is an unfortunate circumstance that affects both genders.
Fortunately, the media attention on domestic violence against women has prompted the National Football League to invest heavily in raising awareness of this issue. Not only does the NFL donate to organizations that help victims, but it also provides social responsibility curricula to help educate youth on this topic.
A Legal Professional May Be Able To Help You Navigate This Scary Situation
Domestic violence is a crime, whether men or women perpetrate it. It puts people in marriages, domestic partnerships, and other types of relationships in dangerous situations where their lives and well-being are at stake.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you don’t have to go it alone. A family attorney can help you learn about your rights, including getting a restraining order, pursuing a divorce, or working out child custody issues. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone is fighting for you every step of the way.
Contact an Experienced Monmouth Domestic Violence Attorney at The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC for Legal Advice
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our divorce & family law firm in Red Bank. NJ at (732) 747-1882 or contact us online today.
You can also visit our law firm at 157 Broad St #111, Red Bank, NJ 07701.
