In the last three months, search volume for domestic abuse resources in the UK has changed from isolated, erratic spikes to sustained, elevated, continuous activity. Searches for the National Domestic Abuse Helpline are up 5000% month-on-month, and year-by-year, indicating ongoing demand in the UK that closely mirrors the progression of the World Cup tournament after June 24.
Strong evidence to suggest an increase in domestic violence in line with major football events is nothing new. In 2013, researchers at Lancaster University set out to investigate whether the anecdotal view that FIFA tournaments were associated with a rise in reported domestic abuse incidents when viewed remotely via television. It looked at monthly and daily domestic abuse incidents reported to a police force in the North West of England across three separate tournaments (2002, 2006, and 2010). The study, which is highly cited today, found that domestic abuse incidents increase by 26% when England win or draw, and by 38% if they lose.
Although the evidence shows a strong link between football tournaments and a rise in domestic violence, it’s imperative to distinguish between correlation, and causation. Veronica Oakeshott, head of external affairs at Women’s Aid, told The Standard: “While we know that rates of domestic abuse can increase around major sporting events, the reality is that football itself does not cause domestic abuse – abusers do. Factors such as heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption can increase frequency of abuse, but they don’t cause it in the first place.”
The reality is that football itself does not cause domestic abuse – abusers do
Veronica Oakeshott, Women’s Aid
Further research from Coventry-based Warwick Business School found that alcohol-related cases of domestic abuse rose by 47 per cent on the day of an England victory at the world cup or European championship, but flagged no increase in reports of non-alcohol-related domestic abuse on England match days. A study from the London School of Economics and Political Science concluded that alcohol, not emotions, was responsible for domestic abuse rise after football matches.
Refuge, the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK which helps run the national helpline, is also wary about the narrative that there is any singular thing to blame for domestic violence, other than abusers themselves.
Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge, said: “While these tournaments can exacerbate pre-existing behaviours, abuse happens all year round, often hidden and unreported.
“Perpetrators may use football or alcohol intake as an excuse, but there is never any justification for domestic abuse. It is the abuser's actions alone that are to blame – not external events or circumstances.”
The charity Respect runs the Men's Advice Line for male victims, as well as national helpline for perpetrators of domestic abuse and people concerned about their behaviour. Throughout the World Cup, they will be encouraging people who are worried their behaviour may have crossed the line to call their national helpline, the Respect Phoneline.
Tanisha Jnagel, Head of Helplines at Respect, said: “During the Euros 2024, we saw a 39% increase in calls to the Respect Phoneline.
“This World Cup, we’re letting people know that it’s ok to celebrate, it’s ok to be disappointed, but harming or scaring a partner or loved one is crossing the line.
“As the UK’s only free, confidential helpline and webchat service for people who want to change their harmful behaviour in relationships, the Respect Phoneline advisors support people to take those first steps towards change, accountability and to prevent further harm. Ultimately, we’re here to make victims and survivors safer.”
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available:
- Women can call the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time, day or night
- Women can email helpline@womensaid.org.uk
- Men can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327
- Men can also call ManKind on 0182 3334 244
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse who is in immediate danger should always call 999.
The Respect Phoneline is open Monday to Friday and can be contacted on 0808 802 4040 (10am-5pm) or through their webchat service (9-10am) at respectphoneline.org.uk/crossed-the-line. Advisors also offer support to friends, family and professionals working with people whose behaviour causes harm.
