This article contains references to domestic violence.
For many people in Queensland and NSW, rugby league's State of Origin series is a major event on the sporting calendar, bringing excitement, friendly rivalry, and bragging rights for the winner.
But experts and advocates say it could also bring an increase in incidents of gender-based violence, with past research finding a spike of up to 40 per cent.
Dr Catherine Ordway, associate professor and sport integrity lead at the University of Canberra, said her heart "goes out to women in the community when preparing for State of Origin".
"You want to be thinking about the sport and enjoying the spectacle, but on the flip side, the rates of violence increase ... police and paramedics have been telling us for decades that the rates of violence increase anecdotally (and) this is now supported by research."
What do we know about sporting events and domestic violence?
In 2018, a found a 40 per cent average increase in domestic violence in NSW on State of Origin game days compared with non-State of Origin days.
The study recorded assaults reported during the weeks around the State of Origin series over six years, and also found a 71 per cent increase in non-domestic assaults.
Associate professor Kirsty Forsdike, principal research fellow at La Trobe University, said while research is limited, there is a link between sporting events and domestic violence.
"What has been shown through that research is there does appear to be a clear link between certain major sporting events and an increased reporting of domestic violence," she said.
"The other thing we always hear about is the specialist services, particularly helplines, receiving increased number of calls, not only on the day of the actual event, but (also) a few days later."
Ordway said research in the United Kingdom around men's football had found an increase in domestic violence, depending on the outcomes of big games.
"Studies like that have been replicated around Australia associated with big football events like the AFL Grand Final and NRL events like State of Origin, and we've seen domestic violence rates increase up to 40 per cent, which is really shocking," she said.
'Whole of society' approach needed, Anthony Albanese says
Last week, independent MP Zali Steggall questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about violence and the State of Origin.
Steggall cited links with alcohol and gambling as "known drivers of domestic violence" and asked what the government was doing to regulate the multi-billion dollar industries and their role in the issue.
Both NSW and Queensland are sponsored by beer companies and alcohol and betting advertisements feature prominently during television coverage of the games.
Albanese acknowledged there is a link between excessive alcohol consumption and domestic violence.
"I accept completely the startling statistics that the member raised with me earlier today about a spike that will occur when a major sporting event like the State of Origin ... is held, and that there is a link, of course we know, between excessive alcohol consumption and domestic violence most tragically," he said.
"The solutions to that, of course, are not simple."
Albanese said a whole-of-society approach is needed to address the issue.
"There is nothing wrong with having a beer, there is something wrong with excessive consumption leading to violence that does tragically occur too much," he said.
"This is something that the whole of society has to confront, and men in particular have to take responsibility for changing attitudes, changing culture, because it demeans everyone, it can lead tragically to death, (and) it has an impact on children."
"It also harms men, it harms all of us."
What is the NRL doing to address gender-based violence?
In recent years, the National Rugby League (NRL) has established several initiatives and practices designed to address gender equality and attitudes toward women.
It has partnerships with organisations including Our Watch, the Full Stop Foundation and community groups to inform and apply practices around domestic and family violence, and has developed programs such as Voice Against Violence and Better Choices.
The organisation also conducts annual reviews of its workplace policies, player and spectator codes, education and training.
The NRL reports annually to the federal government's Workplace Gender Equality Agency to provide information on actions taken as an employer to improve gender equality.
Ordway acknowledged the NRL has done an "enormous" amount of work in education and awareness amongst players and staff.
But she said sporting bodies need to do more to address the impacts of gambling and alcohol amongst spectators and the wider community.
"I don't think sport has appreciated the way that it promotes gambling, and promotes alcohol, actually leads to worse outcomes for women," she said.
"Sport has a role to play in terms of its promotion of alcohol and gambling, particularly to reduce the risk to women in the community."
Sporting bodies and players in a 'powerful position'
Patty Kinnersly, CEO of domestic violence prevention organisation Our Watch, said the alcohol and gambling associated with major sporting events is connected with domestic violence.
But ultimately, she believes violence is due to societal issues and stereotypes.
“The drivers of men’s violence against women are rigid gender stereotypes, including the need for men to have power and control over women, gender inequality and disrespect for women.
“These factors can be magnified and worsened by harmful levels of alcohol use, because alcohol can weaken men’s empathy, care, concern and respect for those around them, particularly women."
Kinnersly said action from peak sporting bodies and broader societal change is needed to improve attitudes toward women and reduce gender-based violence.
"To stop men from using violence, we must address not only the amplifying factors like alcohol and gambling, but the culture that allows men’s violence against women to thrive," she said.
"Sporting bodies and players are in a powerful position to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women and to set the standard for acceptable behaviour across our community."
Ordway said more action is "desperately" needed to protect women during major sporting events.
"We need to take action desperately to support women in the community, particularly around these big events that we know create a spike in violence against women."
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence or sexual assault call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking support for gambling concerns can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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