Patriotic excitement of watching England at World Cup brings dark side as domestic violence spikes

Joy from watching England play in the World Cup may be a time of great patriotic excitement for thousands of people but it brings with it a darker side as domestic abuse spikes during tournaments.

Domestic abuse charities, police and the crime commissioner have all issued warnings as heightened emotions, alcohol and drug consumption and financial pressures from gambling all contribute to abuse whether England win, lose or draw.

The evidence shows that domestic abuse rises when England play, rises further when England lose, and regardless of the result domestic abuse remains elevated the next day.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone and is not always physical. It can include emotional or psychological abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, financial abuse, threats and intimidation, and online or digital abuse.

Domestic abuse reports increased by 26% when England won or drew during World Cup matches and increased by 38% when England lost. Incidents were also found to be 11% higher the day after an England match regardless of the result.

When England lost to France in the last men's World Cup quarter finals in December 2022, calls to Stop Domestic Abuse Helpline rose by 42.1%. Overall, during the 2022 men's World Cup, calls into the helplines rose by 39%, across Hampshire and Portsmouth.

Claire Lambon, from the charity, said: “It is important to stress that football does not cause domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is caused by perpetrators choosing to exert power and control over their partners or family members.

“However, major football events, and that is major men’s football events, particularly the World Cup or the Euros, can act as a trigger in relationships where abuse is already present.

“What these tournaments can do is amplify existing risk factors such as alcohol misuse, gambling losses and heightened emotions, making it even more important that support services are visible and accessible.

“Football doesn't cause domestic abuse. Abusers cause domestic abuse. But major tournaments can increase the risk and severity of incidents.

“If you're worried about your safety, you're not overreacting. Trust your instincts, make contact with Stop Domestic Abuse or in an emergency call 999, and remember that help is available."

Police officers will be teaming up with charity Aurora New Dawn to offer more support to victims during this summer’s football World Cup.

Domestic Violence Advocate cars will be in operation throughout the tournament to help those being abused. The DVA car is a police patrol car crewed with one of the force’s domestic abuse officers who will be joined by an advocate from Aurora New Dawn.

The car will attend domestic abuse incidents to provide immediate support for the victim and ongoing referral for support should they wish.

Inspector Andrea Heywood, domestic abuse champions lead, said: “During major tournaments we often see increased reporting of domestic violence and abuse. The sad truth is we know there will be an increased demand for support from charities like Aurora New Dawn again this summer, as victims come forward to us.

“This is why we are working closely with Aurora New Dawn once again so we can provide the best possible support for victims of these devastating incidents behind closed doors.

“Our message to anyone suffering from domestic abuse is this: We are here for you and if you put your trust in us and come forward, we promise your report will be taken seriously.”

Brianne Atkins, service manager at Aurora New Dawn, said: "We would like to thank Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for funding this vital service that enables us to provide support for victims of domestic abuse during the World Cup.

"We know from research that police forces see an increase in domestic abuse reports around national sporting events so we hope that during this time, more victims can be offered independent advocacy support and safeguarding."

Crime commissioner Donna Jones is investing £5.6m this financial year into supporting victims and tackling violence against women and girls, across several projects and partnerships in the two counties, including Stop Domestic Abuse.

Ms Jones said: “The World Cup can become a time of fear and isolation for those on the receiving end of controlling, coercive and violent behaviour.

“We must challenge dangerous behaviours and ensure that people living with domestic abuse know they are not alone and there is support available. I would urge people to watch out for each other and report any abusive behaviour they witness or experience themselves.

“Football itself and the World Cup are not responsible, but sadly through alcohol and increased emotions these tournaments can create an atmosphere where perpetrators are more likely to commit domestic abuse.

“I am pleased to provide funding for Stop Domestic Abuse in Hampshire as part of my pledge to help make victims and families safer. The work they do, including this campaign and their partnership with other local agencies, is to be applauded.

“Football is part of our culture, and we should be able to enjoy these matches together, however, we must do all we can to protect victims, survivors and their children by showing domestic abuse the red card.”

Cllr Lee Hunt, member for Safety in the Community at Portsmouth City Council, said: “We know from previous international tournaments that incidents of domestic abuse can increase. While football itself does not cause domestic abuse, it can act as a trigger point for existing abusive behaviour to escalate.

"As emotions run high during events such as the World Cup, it's important that abusive behaviour is not minimised or excused. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their relationships.

"I would urge anyone experiencing abuse, or anyone concerned about someone they know, to seek support."

SUPPORT

You can contact Aurora New Dawn by calling 02392 479254. You can also call the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership confidentially on 03300 165 112.

Free support is available in Hampshire from Stop Domestic Abuse by calling the confidential advice line on 0330 0533 630. Or visit www.stopdomesticabuse.uk

Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.