Self Esteem’s football shirt highlights domestic violence – BBC News

Singer Self Esteem is to release a football shirt based on England’s 1990 kit, in a bid to raise awareness of an increase in domestic violence when the team lose.

The pop star from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, has designed the shirt in collaboration with fashion brand Art of Football.

Women’s Aid research shows that domestic violence increases by 26% when England win or draw and by 38% after a defeat at a major tournament.

A £5 donation to the charity will be made with every sale of the limited edition shirt, which will be released on 12 July.

Ms Taylor said: “My great granddad played for Sheffield Wednesday, my dad was born in Hillsborough, so I’ve been a long-suffering Sheffield Wednesday fan.”

The 37-year-old added: “As a kid I would sit there and design things all the time, so something in me was like, this would be really fun.

“The statistics about when England loses versus when they win and domestic abuse reports, and I was like okay, here we go, let’s do it.

“Part of me was like, oh I’m a real vibe kill, but unfortunately these statistics are a vibe killer, and it needs to change.

“I’m so glad we’re doing this, we’re just excited for it to exist, it feels like a piece of art to me.”

The shirt is supported by artist Corbin Shaw, who is originally from Sheffield.

He has designed an England flag with the words “he’s coming home” on it, in order to raise awareness of the statistics.

Women’s Aid said the football shirt raised “vital” awareness of the facts around domestic violence during major tournaments.

A spokesperson said: “Football championships are a fantastic time for us to come together as a country through a game that many of us love.

“However, for many women and children living with an abuser, major football tournaments can be a time filled with fear.

“While domestic abuse is not caused by football, we know existing abuse can become more severe or frequent during big tournaments.

“It is vital that we raise awareness of this during this crucial time so that survivors know where they can get help and so that the public know how they can support charities like Women’s Aid.”

The Self Esteem football shirt is available for pre-order before its general release next month.