Australian boxer jokes about domestic violence spike on Origin night

Our Watch condemns Australian boxer's joke about domestic violence spike on State of Origin night Thu 9 Jul 2026 at 12:49pm Violence prevention organisation Our Watch has condemned a now deleted video by Australian boxer Benjamin Hussain joking about domestic violence spiking ahead of the men's State of Origin decider. "Boys, in Queensland domestic violence goes up 40 per cent on Origin night and Nathan Cleary, the chin, is single-handedly is going to make it double," Hussain, the professional welterweight boxer from Queensland, said via Instagram. "Hopefully all your dogs and partners are wearing mouthguards when they go to sleep tonight. Let us go boys, the Blues are on." Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, a leading organisation for preventing violence against women and children, said there was nothing funny about violence against women. "Comments like this in a year in which 36 Australian women have been killed by men are unacceptable," Kinnersly told ABC Sport. "Research shows that attitudes and behaviours are shaped by the messages we see and hear every day. When domestic violence is trivialised or normalised through so-called 'jokes', it can contribute to a culture that excuses or downplays abuse. "Sport has an enormous capacity to influence culture in positive ways. "That's why it's important that public figures and sporting communities help reinforce the message that violence against women is never OK, and that everyone has a role to play in promoting respect, equality and healthy relationships." Men's State of Origin nights see a 40 per cent increase on average in domestic assault, research shows. The study by La Trobe University also found a 71 per cent increase in non-domestic assaults during the weeks around the State of Origin series. Ahead of AFL grand final weekends, domestic violence support services prepare for an increase in calls. According to Our Watch, Victoria Police prepare for a 20 per cent spike in violence against women ahead of the AFL men's decider. Research done in England around the World Cup and in the US around American football shows similar spikes in domestic violence when high-profile sporting events take place. Hussain has been contacted by the ABC for comment.