Brazil study finds football losses boost domestic violence; clubs launch prevention project

Research by economists Isadora Bousquat Árabe and Paula Carvalho Pereda examined 2,105 Brazilian Serie A matches from 2015‑2019 and matched them with domestic‑violence police reports in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The analysis showed a 6 % increase in reported incidents during the six hours after an unexpected home‑team defeat, with no rise before, during or after a victory.

In response, the initiative “Respeito que Protege” was created by educator Cláudia Refatti Benato. The project uses sport as a platform for prevention, organising talks with fans, educational campaigns on match days, stadium screen messages promoting respect, and appointing a player ambassador to speak in schools. It partners with municipal women’s councils, the military police, the public prosecutor, the OAB and other civil‑society groups to foster a culture of non‑violence.