Vancouver support workers brace for surge in gender-based violence during World Cup

Vancouver advocates are working to raise awareness of the risks of gender-based violence and street harassment as the city gets set to host the World Cup.

Women’s advocates in Vancouver are ramping up staffing and a support line on the first day of the World Cup tournament on Wednesday, warning that they expect a surge of calls reporting gender-based violence.

At a news conference on Monday, Battered Women’s Support Services and Good Night Out Vancouver cited research confirming that physical violence and emotional abuse increase during high-profile supporting events.

“We know that there can be between a 20 to 40 per cent increase in intimate partner violence reports,” said BWSS executive director, Angela Marie MacDougall. “We know that we will get calls, we know that for sure.”

Good Night Out Vancouver spokesperson Trina Notman told reporters that outreach workers in their distinctive pink shirts will have a visible presence, handing out sunscreen and being available for all four weeks of the FIFA FanFest and the last portion of the spectator route on all game days.

“With larger crowds, more alcohol consumption, absolutely that increases the risk,” she said.

BWSS is also launching an awareness campaign featuring a UK-inspired video depicting coercive control and emotional abuse so that victims or witnesses can better recognize unhealthy behaviour and help victims access support.

The organization’s crisis line is 1-855-687-1868, with trained workers offering support for those experiencing intimate partner violence or sexual abuse.