Prosecutors in England and Wales are bracing for a rise in domestic abuse incidents during the men's World Cup and are urging victims to report crimes, assuring them they will be taken seriously. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stressed that offenders will be held accountable.
CPS warns of tournament-linked abuse
Olivia Rose, the CPS national stalking lead, said: "We often see more domestic abuse cases around major football tournaments like these. The point that we want to get across is that those responsible will be held accountable, and that we won't hesitate to bring them to justice." She added that while football does not cause domestic abuse, "alcohol and heightened emotions can make it worse."
Rose noted that the latest data shows four in five domestic abuse cases referred by police are charged, reflecting the seriousness with which the CPS treats such crimes. She also warned perpetrators that their behaviour is "not [just] unacceptable, it is illegal."
Victims urged to come forward
The CPS aims to reassure victims that support is available. "We want victims to know that support is out there for them, and that we understand how difficult it is to report domestic abuse, but if they do come forward, that they will be taken seriously," Rose said.
Earlier this month, Reform MP Sarah Pochin faced criticism for posting on X: "For the sake of women’s safety we need England to keep winning." Refuge, a domestic abuse charity, called the post "highly inappropriate" and "misleading," adding it could allow perpetrators to evade accountability.
Rose responded: "The message from us is that we do see abuse rise during tournaments such as the World Cup, but there is never an excuse, win or lose."
Campaign highlights risk after matches
Women’s Aid has launched an awareness campaign, The Other Kick Off, highlighting an alternative kick-off time that signifies when an abuser is likely to return home from a match and cause harm. Veronica Oakeshott, head of external affairs at Women’s Aid, said: "Domestic abuse is still thought of as a ‘hidden’ crime, as it mostly occurs within the home. The World Cup is not only an opportunity to raise awareness of this crime, but also a chance to remind women that services are there to help them, should they need them."
Research shows spike in incidents
Research from Lancaster University found that domestic abuse incidents increase by 26% when England wins or draws and by 38% when they lose. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reported that over 300 domestic abuse offences during the Euro 2024 tournament were linked to football by victims.
Louisa Rolfe, NPCC assistant commissioner and national policing lead for domestic abuse, said: "Our priority throughout the tournament is to support and protect anyone who may be at risk of domestic abuse. Police and prosecutors are working closely together to use all available powers to identify and arrest offenders, secure evidence and bring those responsible to justice."
Charities stress abusers are responsible
Refuge emphasised that domestic abuse should not be attributed to anything except the perpetrator. Ellie Butt, head of policy and public affairs at Refuge, said: "During major football tournaments such as this year’s men’s football World Cup, you will likely see headlines about rises in reports of domestic abuse. But no matter whether a team wins, draws or loses, football doesn’t cause abuse – abusers do."
Butt welcomed efforts to prosecute perpetrators during the World Cup but stressed that "this ethos must extend beyond the football season. While these tournaments can exacerbate pre-existing abuse, it happens all year round, often hidden and unreported."
