As the AFL and NRL finals approach, domestic violence services are preparing for an anticipated spike in calls related to alcohol consumption and gambling. The back-to-back long weekends, known for their heightened excitement and celebrations, often put vulnerable women and children at greater risk.
Victorian police reported a 9% increase in family violence incidents during last year’s three-day grand final weekend, with a total of 796 incidents. This year, both police and domestic violence services expect a similar surge in demand for assistance.
The organisation No to Violence, which supports men who engage in domestic abuse, predicts a nearly 35% increase in referrals from police over the finals weekend, based on historical data. However, self-referrals from men seeking help tend to lag, according to chief executive Phillip Ripper.
“A lot of men are slower to realise that they need help and to reflect on their own behaviour,” Ripper noted. “We know that alcohol and gambling don’t cause family violence, but they are accelerators that increase the severity of family violence and heighten the risk for women and children.”
Men are being encouraged to seek help prior to major sporting events, where alcohol consumption is likely to be high. “Now is the time to talk to the men’s referral service about strategies to avoid falling into previous patterns,” Ripper emphasised.
Call to Action for Sporting Communities
In light of these concerns, the national violence prevention organisation Our Watch is urging everyone in the sporting community to address the increased risks faced by women and children during the finals season.
“To prevent violence from happening in the first place, we need to improve club cultures across all sporting codes,” stated Patty Kinnersly, chief executive of Our Watch. “That begins with promoting respect for women and ensuring the responsible service of alcohol.”
The upcoming AFL grand final entertainment has sparked controversy due to the selection of rapper Snoop Dogg. Critics have expressed concern over his history of using misogynistic and offensive lyrics. In August, Respect Victoria joined 14 anti-violence organisations to urge the AFL to reconsider hosting the artist.
“At a time when women are being killed and the country is in the midst of an epidemic of violence against women, hosting an artist whose lyrics promote violence is dangerous and ill-considered,” their joint statement declared.
Despite the backlash, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon defended the decision, stating that the league engaged Snoop Dogg “in 2025 as the person he is today.” Dillon remarked on Snoop Dogg’s transformation into a philanthropist and global entertainer, highlighting his public efforts to rehabilitate youth.
Police Commitment and Legal Perspectives
With the finals approaching, Victoria Police has committed to taking all reports of family violence seriously and ensuring that offenders are held accountable. “There is never an excuse for family violence,” said Sharon McKinnon, acting assistant commissioner of the Family Violence Command.
Legal experts warn that alcohol-related offences such as public violence are likely to increase during the finals. According to Angela Cooney, a criminal law specialist with Armstrong Legal, intoxication will not be accepted as an excuse in court. “If you make a decision to get drunk, then what you do while you are drunk is what you are responsible for,” she stated.
As the festivities approach, both police and domestic violence services are urging anyone in need of assistance to reach out. Resources such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14) are available for support, alongside the Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) and the National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858).
In summary, as excitement builds for the footy finals, heightened awareness and proactive measures are essential in addressing the potential rise in domestic violence incidents, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.
