Super Bowl Not Associated With Increased Assault-Related Injuries

Background: Mass gatherings during sporting events have been associated with increased rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault. These trends may be exacerbated by sports, alcohol, and emotional cues. The National Football League annual Super Bowl (SB) is one of the most widely watched sporting events in the United States and has been associated with increased rates of violence as it is associated with large gatherings, alcohol consumption, and emotional volatility due to outcome expectations and gambling. Upset losses (when the favored team loses) may be associated with increased perpetration of violence, especially IPV. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between assault-related injuries, especially IPV and the SB. Design: Retrospective review. Methods: Data were prospectively collected data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) between 2005 and 2017. Assault-related injuries were examined in relation to: (1) the 4-day SB weekend (Fr more...