Domestic Violence & Super Bowl Sunday
I know that there has been much debate about the correlation between the increase of domestic violence and the Super Bowl. This debate became public in 1993 when FAIR, better known as Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting was able to persuade one of the largest television networks to show a public service announcement that made clear to millions of viewers that domestic violence is a crime.
Although many researchers have said there is little proof to support the claim that the rate of violence in the home increases on Super Bowl Sunday, many of the frontline workers who deal with the aftermath of this crime would disagree. Police officers, domestic violence shelter staff, emergency room workers and the like have reported otherwise.
The fact of the matter is this- most people would agree that consuming alcohol increases the chance for domestic violence. I think this truth alone would make it pretty clear that Super Bowl Sunday is a time where the chances of domestic violence increase. My point in writing this is to bring awareness to how many things that we as Americans tend to celebrate as "drinking holidays," such as the Super Bowl. If you choose to be one of the many who do drink alcohol, please do so responsibly and in moderation. In addition, if you need support in dealing with your frustration of the game outcome, or any other crisis situation, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline at (319) 362-2174.
Shannon Costanzo-Melsha
Mobile Crisis Outreach Program Coordinator
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