Now you’re probably wondering if I’ve finally lost the plot and been swept away by football fever. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching England play.

But not everyone is looking forward to the football.

Some people will be holding their breath, wondering what mood someone will come home in, how much they will have had to drink, and whether tonight will be one of the bad nights.

The statistics are frightening.

Reports show that incidents of domestic abuse increase by around 26% when England win or draw, and by as much as 38% when they lose. The increase doesn’t stop at the final whistle either, it continues into the following day.

Let’s be clear.
Football is not the problem.
The problem is not the result.
The problem is not the referee.
The problem is not the drink.

The problem is the abuser.

Abuse is never acceptable.

And now I have a message for any woman reading this who is already feeling anxious about the football.

Please, take one step.
Just one.
Reach out.

Below is a list of organisations and services that can help. You don’t have to make every decision today. You don’t have to know what happens next. You only have to take one step.

I know some of you will be reading this thinking:
“One step? Easy for you to say.”
But I can say it because we have taken that step ourselves.

So please, if you need help,

ask for it.
We will believe you.
We will support you.
We will stand beside you.

And if you don’t feel strong enough today, let us be strong for you until you are.

Because every woman deserves to live free from fear.