In the last three months, search volume for domestic abuse resources in the UK has shifted from isolated spikes to sustained, elevated activity. Searches for the National Domestic Abuse Helpline are up 5000% month-on-month and year-on-year, indicating ongoing demand that mirrors the progression of the World Cup tournament after June 24.
Football tournaments linked to increased domestic abuse reports
Strong evidence suggests a rise in domestic violence during major football events. A 2013 study by Lancaster University examined domestic abuse incidents reported to a police force in North West England across three tournaments (2002, 2006, and 2010). The study found that incidents increase by 26% when England wins or draws, and by 38% when they lose.
However, experts caution against conflating correlation with 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.”
Alcohol consumption a key factor, studies show
Research from Warwick Business School found that alcohol-related domestic abuse cases rose by 47% on the day of an England victory at the World Cup or European Championship, but no increase in non-alcohol-related reports on match days. A study from the London School of Economics and Political Science concluded that alcohol, not emotions, drives the rise in domestic abuse after football matches.
Refuge, the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK, which helps run the national helpline, warns against blaming external factors. 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.”
Helplines report increased calls during tournaments
The charity Respect runs the Men's Advice Line for male victims and the national helpline for perpetrators of domestic abuse. During the Euros 2024, calls to the Respect Phoneline increased by 39%. Tanisha Jnagel, Head of Helplines at Respect, said: “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. Men can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244. Anyone in immediate danger should always call 999. The Respect Phoneline is open Monday to Friday on 0808 802 4040 (10am-5pm) or via webchat at respectphoneline.org.uk/crossed-the-line.
