As England and Leeds United fans come to terms with the Three Lions devastating loss against Italy, victims of domestic abuse in the city find themselves at increased risk.
Whilst for many the football is an exciting time of high emotions and nail-biting tensions that lead to nothing more than a few gripes in the pub, for some a post-match defeat (or win) can be a very scary and vulnerable time.
According to research by the national centre of domestic abuse, incidents tend to increase on average by 26% when England play and 38% when they lose.
Looking back to the 2010 World Cup, domestic violence leapt 27.7% when England won a match and saw a 33.9% increase when they lost.
Further research from the London School of Economics supports this, also suggesting that football matches increase the risk of domestic abuse victimisation.
Although violence decreases throughout the two-hour period when a match is played, abuse then starts to increase in its aftermath, research suggests.
Academics who have researched the matter say the violence tends to peak between 10 and 12 hours following a match but can be even later.
For those who do feel at risk, its vital that victims to do not feel they have to suffer alone.
Ruth Davison, chief executive of charity Refuge, said: “Refuge’s message to women and girls experiencing domestic abuse remains clear: you are not alone, Refuge is here for you.
"While football tournaments do not cause abuse – abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes – they can exacerbate pre-existing abusive behaviours.
“Let’s be really clear, there is never an excuse for abusive behaviour and abuse doesn’t come ‘by appointment’, it happens all year round.
“However, Refuge wants to reassure women that 365 days a year, come rain or shine, regardless of what happens at Wembley Stadium this week, we are here for you, and can offer you the support you need.”
Who to call if you need help
Free support is available on a completely confidential basis from Refuge’s 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. The team here can help you find a refuge place, if necessary, as well as providing other specialist services to those in need.
There is also a digital support chat that runs live from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 10pm via www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
Help is also available via the free Leeds Domestic Violence Service on its 24 hour helpline, 0113 246 0401. Alternatively you can contact them on hello@ldvs.uk.
LDVS supports anyone suffering from domestic abuse and actively encourages people from LGBT+ communities to access their support.
You can also call the Leeds Womens Aid 24-hour helpline on 0113 246 0401.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Georgina Pellant -
12th July 2021 
