The World Cup can be a time of celebration for households across the country, but for many women and children it represents a time of fear as domestic abuse is predicted to rise during the tournament.
‘Research shows that incidents of domestic violence rise around major football tournaments, increasing by 38% when England lose and by 26% when they win’, Women’s Aid, 2026.
Women’s Aid have launched a new campaign titled ‘The Other Kick Off’, which represents the estimated time that domestic abuse is predicted to rise after an England game when abusive partners return home after watching a match.
This campaign follows longstanding research that shows domestic abuse rises around major football tournaments and can increase when England lose a match. This is due to heightened emotions and alcohol consumption that can increase abuse when it already exists.
No matter the game outcome, domestic abuse can never be tolerated.
If you need help with domestic abuse, here are a list of support services that can help:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
- The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
- The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
- Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available
If you would like further information on domestic abuse and Wandle, please click here.