Domestic abuse will rise during the World Cup

For some people, the World Cup is nothing more than a passion for football. For others, it can ignite a fear of abuse from a partner with pre-existing patterns of this behaviour, causing anxieties and worry.

Research has found that reports of domestic abuse during the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups increased by 38% when England lost, and by 26% when the team either won or drew a match.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) warns that “hundreds of thousands of children could be at risk” as well as women. The emotional stress, alcohol consumption and betting on football matches heightens the risk of these incidents that often occur behind closed doors.

During the Euros Championship last year, Women’s Aid clarified that “football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, but a big game can be a catalyst for increasing or more severe abuse”. The evidence demonstrates that this correlation is real, and we have to continue to call out this behaviour. Whilst it is recognised that not all perpetrators are male and not all victims are female, statistics prove that domestic abuse is still a primarily a male-on-female offence. 

If you find yourself in a domestically abusive situation, you can report these incidents to the police by calling 999. You can also get in touch with services who offer support to victims including Women’s Aid and Living Without Abuse. These services can be your first point of contact and can offer practical support and advice.

If you, or someone you know, is being subjected to domestic abuse and you would like some legal advice and want to know what protective measures are available, you can contact a member of the Domestic Violence and Abuse Department (DVAD) by calling our Leicester Office on 0116 255 4855. Alternatively, you can make an enquiry online.