Football fever, fear at home: the rise in domestic abuse after the game

For some families, major sporting events can bring increased risks behind closed doors. Sadly, periods of heightened emotion - such as big tournaments - can coincide with a rise in domestic abuse. That’s why it’s so important that we stay alert, support one another, and ensure that those experiencing abuse know they are not alone.

A study by Lancaster University, found that incidents of domestic abuse increase when England play in major football tournaments. Though football is not the root cause of domestic abuse, several factors are thought to exacerbate abusive behaviour during football tournaments, including the increased and prolonged consumption of alcohol around matches. The study found that domestic abuse cases rose by 38% when England lost, and by 26% when they won or drew.

Supporting our customers

Supporting our customers is at the heart of everything we do. Our teams work with care and compassion to help individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse, providing practical support and guidance to help them move to safety and begin rebuilding their lives. We know that a safe home is the foundation for everything else, and we’re committed to helping people achieve that.

We also recognise that keeping families safe is a shared responsibility. That’s why we want to highlight the support available to parents and children in Hampshire schools.

Schools are often one of the first places where signs of concern are noticed. Melissa Pollard, Content and Publishing Associate at Safeguarding Network, has shared ways schools can help protect pupils and families during the tournament, spotting patterns in behaviour and being alert to the signs of domestic abuse.

For most pupils, the Men's World Cup will be a time of joy and celebration. But for some, it may bring uncertainty or fear at home. By working together with schools, charities and communities, we can help ensure that every child and family has the support they need, whatever the scoreline.

Read: What schools need to consider to safeguard pupils during this summer’s tournament

How to get help

Contact Abri's Community Safety Team now

You may also wish to access independent support from organisations such as:

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Advice Line (Run by Stop Domestic Abuse)
Free and confidential advice line, open to members of the public. Provides advice,
Support and safety planning guidance.

• Access: 03300 165 112
• stopdomesticabuse.uk/get-help/ (live chat and self-referral)
  

The DASH Charity
Supporting people in the communities of East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. The helpline is available Mon-Thurs 9:30am – 3pm and Fridays 9:30am – 12pm.

• Access: 01753 549865
• email referrals@thedashcharity.org.uk
  

Berkshire Women’s Aid
Free to call and available 24/7 to listen without judgment, providing practical help and emotional support when you need it most.

• Access: 0808 801 0882
• berkshirewomensaid.org.uk/ (Confidential support request form)
  

SWSDAS Surrey
Here to listen to you, believe you and support you. Contact in confidence. Available Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.

• Access: 01483 898884 (call)
• 07443 636971 (text only)
• email swr@swsda.org.uk
  

Live Well Oxfordshire
If you live in Oxfordshire and you are being abused, you can call and use their services. The local helpline is open 10am - 7pm, weekdays.

• Access: 0800 731 0055
  

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Managed by Refuge)
24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Call for free and in confidence.

• Access: 0808 2000 247
• nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ (live chat and British Sign Language)