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Tuesday 16 June 2026

Domestic Abuse and the World Cup

In this week's edition:

• Increased Risk of Domestic Abuse During Major Football Tournaments
• Why This Matters for Children
• Implications for Practice

Increased Risk of Domestic Abuse During Major Football Tournaments

There is consistent evidence that domestic abuse incidents increase during major football tournaments. This presents a heightened safeguarding risk across partner agencies, particularly for children living in households where abuse is present.

Analysis of previous tournaments shows:

• A 38% increase in reported domestic abuse incidents when England lose
• A 26% increase when England play

These increases are typically associated with evening fixtures and may be compounded by factors such as alcohol consumption, gambling, and heightened emotional responses.

Why This Matters for Children

Children should be considered victims of domestic abuse in their own right. This includes: Direct experience of abuse Witnessing incidents of abuse Living in environments characterised by fear, coercion, and control During high-risk periods such as football tournaments: The frequency and severity of incidents may increase Children are more likely to be present during incidents, particularly during evening routines There may be reduced opportunities for disclosure or support Exposure to domestic abuse can have immediate and long-term impacts on children’s: Emotional wellbeing and sense of safety Behaviour and development Educational engagement Risk of further harm

Key Dates – Elevated Risk Periods

England fixtures (evening matches): 17 June – England vs Croatia 23 June – England vs Ghana 27 June – Panama vs England These dates should be recognised as periods of increased safeguarding risk, with potential escalation in the hours during and following matches.

Implications for Practice

All partner agencies should consider the following: Professional Curiosity and Vigilance Maintain increased awareness of domestic abuse indicators in the lead-up to and following fixtures Be alert to cumulative risk across multiple matches Child-Centred Safeguarding Ensure that children’s lived experiences are actively considered in assessments Recognise that exposure to abuse constitutes harm Risk Identification and Response Anticipate escalation patterns linked to match outcomes Respond promptly to emerging concerns Multi-Agency Information Sharing Share relevant information in a timely way where risk to children is identified Ensure coordinated responses across services Supporting Access to Help Promote awareness of local domestic abuse support services Consider how children and non-abusive parents can safely access support

While major sporting events are positive for many, they are a known contextual risk factor for domestic abuse.

For children in affected households, these periods can significantly increase exposure to harm. Multi-agency professionals play a critical role in identifying risk, responding effectively, and ensuring children’s safety remains central.

Support services:

• Local support services: https://westmorlandandfurnesscsp.org.uk/domestic-abuse-support
• Emergency response: 999