The World Cup and Domestic Violence

On average, domestic abuse rises during World Cup season in the UK.

The most detailed research into the links between the football World Cup and domestic abuse rates has revealed that in one force area in England and Wales, violent incidents increased by 38% when England lost – but also rose by 26% when they won. The research, by Lancaster University criminologist Dr Stuart Kirby, a former police officer, monitored police reports of domestic violence during previous World Cups from 2002 to 2014.

While domestic violence rose after each England game, incidents also increased in frequency at each new tournament.

The risk of domestic abuse rises during major football tournaments with the high emotion involved, an increase in the consumption of alcohol and the warm summer weather. Women’s Aid is keen to reduce sexist micro aggressions, which they believe contribute to a culture of misogyny.

“Since 2014, our Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign has worked with football clubs, the FA, the Premier League and BT Sport to stand together against domestic abuse and call out the sexist attitudes and behaviour that some fans still exhibit,” says Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid.

“The World Cup, as with other major sporting events, is often associated with an increase in incidents of domestic abuse because of factors such as increased alcohol consumption and an increase in tension,” Cleveland Police Specialist Crime Superintendent Anne-Marie Salwey said in a release touting this year’s deployment of the “Give Domestic Abuse the Red Card” campaign.

For victims of domestic abuse, it is important to be aware that the first step to protection is for victims to contact the police. Victims can also apply to the Family Court for injunction orders against perpetrators, forbidding them from molesting, intimidating and harassing them, as well as orders to require the perpetrator to stay away from the family home. For further advice you should contact Family Law Specialist Kerry Russell on 0161 930 5151 or email Kerry.russell@gorvins.com.