Prosecutors in England and Wales expect rise in domestic abuse during World Cup

CPS urges victims to go to police, saying they will be taken seriously and it ‘won’t hesitate’ to bring abusers to justice

Prosecutors in England and Wales are expecting incidents of domestic abuse to increase during the men’s World Cup , and have urged victims to come forward, saying those responsible “will be held accountable”.

“We often see more domestic abuse cases around major football tournaments like these,” the CPS national stalking lead, Olivia Rose, said. “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.”

“We know that football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, but alcohol and heightened emotions can make it worse,” she added.

Rose said that the latest data showed four in five domestic abuse cases referred by police were charged, which she said “just goes to show how seriously we take domestic abuse” .

As well as warning perpetrators that their behaviour was “not [just] unacceptable, it is illegal”, Rose said the CPS also wanted to get the message out to any victims of domestic abuse to come forward and report it to police.

“We want victims to know that support is out there for them, and that we understand how difficult it is, it can be, to report domestic abuse, but if they do come forward, that they will be taken seriously,” she said.

The Reform MP Sarah Pochin faced criticism earlier this month when she posted on X: “For the sake of women’s safety we need England to keep winning.”

The domestic abuse charity Refuge described her post as “highly inappropriate”, adding: “This is not only misleading, but could allow perpetrators to evade accountability.”

Rose said: “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.”

The charity Women’s Aid has launched an awareness campaign, The Other Kick Off , which highlights an alternative kick-off time, signifying when an abuser is likely to come home from a match and cause harm.

“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,” Veronica Oakeshott, its head of external affairs, said.

Research from Lancaster University found domestic abuse incidents increase when England play, by 26% when they win or draw and by 38% if they lose.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) also released data showing that more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during the Euro 2024 tournament where victims believed the perpetrator’s behaviour was linked to football.

Louisa Rolfe, an assistant commissioner and the 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.”

Refuge said domestic abuse should not be attributed to anyone or thing except the perpetrator.

“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,” Ellie Butt, its head of policy and public affairs, said. “But no matter whether a team wins, draws or loses, football doesn’t cause abuse – abusers do.”

Butt said that Refuge welcomed efforts to prosecute perpetrators during the World Cup, but “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,” she said.

In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org.