With the World Cup just around the corner, there is excitement in the air, and we are hoping this will be the year England win their first world cup since 1966. For many families, the period of a major football tournament is a time to celebrate the occasion and create long lasting happy memories. However, amongst all the excitement, research has revealed a more troubling trend has emerged in recent years regarding reports of domestic abuse during major football tournaments.
Research from Lancaster University has shown that when England play, reports of domestic abuse go up by 26% when England win or draw and by 38% when England lose a match. Police forces in England and Wales also recorded 351 incidents of domestic abuse reports during the last UEFA Euros in 2024, where the Euros was specifically disclosed as a factor. However, the NPCC have cautioned that this figure does not likely represent all football-related domestic abuse cases, as domestic abuse is vastly unreported.
Whilst this trend is extremely concerning, it is important to note that football itself does not cause domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is a deliberate pattern of controlling or violent behaviour and it is important to remember that the responsibility lies with the perpetrator. However, existing cases of domestic abuse can likely increase and intensify around major football tournaments, with the football acting as a trigger in households where abuse is already present.
Why is this the case?
There is no single explanation for these increases in reporting, but there are a number of factors which can contribute to the spike in domestic abuse during football tournaments.
Alcohol consumption
Many people enjoy watching the football matches in pubs and bars, or when socialising. This often results in an increase in the amount of alcohol that people are consuming. This factor may be made even worse in this tournament, as the later kickoff times, combined with pubs staying open longer, will likely mean people drink for longer. Whilst alcohol use itself does not mean people will necessarily commit acts of abuse, alcohol is known to be a risk factor in cases of domestic abuse. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase aggression in people who are already prone to controlling or violent behaviours.
Heightened state of emotions
It’s no secret that people get very emotionally invested in football. Football can create feelings of joy, excitement, frustration and disappointment or anger, often all in one match. In households where domestic abuse is present, these heightened emotions can be expressed through intimidation or violence against family members.
Increased time together
People often enjoy watching these big competitions with groups of friends or family. In an abusive relationship, this often means victims are having to spend longer times with their abusive partner. This therefore increases the opportunity for abusive behaviour to occur.
Gambling
During major football tournaments there also tends to be an increase in the amount of gambling. This in turn means although bettors might win big, it is likely that lots they might also end up losing potentially large amounts of money. As with alcohol, gambling itself does not cause domestic abuse. However, the potential financial loss and stress this causes can act to exacerbate tensions within a relationship where there is a pattern of abuse.
Domestic abuse is about power and control
It is important to remember that domestic abuse is typically to gain and maintain power and control over someone, and this is a pattern of behaviour that can go on for years. It is important that we do not dismiss cases of domestic abuse as someone just “lost their temper” or “had too much to drink” at the football, as these triggers are likely not isolated incidents and reflect a concerning and continuous pattern of behaviour. This behaviour does not necessarily have to involve physical violence; it can include any of the following behaviours:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Emotional abuse
What help is available
If you feel you are in immediate danger, please:
- Call 999 – if there is an immediate risk
- Call 101 – the non-emergency phone number
What can a family solicitor do to help?
There are a number of ways a family law solicitor can help you if you are a victim of domestic abuse. These include:
- Helping you apply to get a Non-molestation order to prevent the abuser from threatening, harassing and or intimidating you.
- Helping you apply to get an Occupation Order to set out who is entitled to live in the family home and can require the abuser to leave.
- Helping you apply to get a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPOs) which can prohibit the abusive partner from making contact with you or coming near the home. These can also include positive requirements, such as compelling your partner to attend a behaviour programme.
- Helping you get a Child Arrangements Order to keep your children safe.
- Helping you divorce or separate from an abusive partner.
Other resources available:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
📞 0808 2000 247
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Run by Refuge, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline provides confidential support, advice and information for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Victim Support
Free and confidential support for victims of crime, including domestic abuse.
📞 08 08 16 89 111
Website:
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk
About the Author
Miles Mahon is an Apprentice Solicitor at Harrogate Family Law. Working alongside the firm’s experienced family law specialists, Miles supports clients across a range of family law matters, including divorce, financial settlements, children issues and domestic abuse cases.
Miles is committed to providing clear, accessible information and supporting clients through what can often be some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
