Research shows incidents of domestic violence rise around major football tournaments, jumping by 38% when England lose and by 26% when they win.
Women and children in abusive relationships face a “more sinister” kind of kick-off during the World Cup, a charity has warned as research shows incidents of domestic violence rise around major football tournaments.
To mark England’s opening World Cup match on Wednesday evening, domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid launched “The Other Kick Off” campaign, to raise awareness around the time violence is predicted to rise after the end of the game.
The charity highlighted 11.37pm as a different kind of kick-off time for many women and children, when abusers are expected to come home after the final whistle and violence is set to increase.
Research published in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency in 2014 found incidents of domestic violence rise around major football tournaments, jumping by 38% when England lose and by 26% when they win.
Women’s Aid said while football itself does not directly cause domestic violence, “heightened emotions and alcohol consumption can exacerbate abuse where it already exists”.
The charity added this year’s campaign is “especially poignant” as late-night match times – caused by time zone differences as the World Cup is being held in the US, Canada and Mexico – “can create an even more isolating, frightening environment for survivors”.
The campaign, shared on digital billboards, mobile vans and fly posters stationed near major fan zones and football hotspots in London, is designed to catch attention and signpost women to where they can find help.
Each campaign poster includes a QR code directing the public to the Women’s Aid website, where visitors can access support, make a donation, learn to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and explore ways to take action.
The charity said The Other Kick Off is “a sobering reminder of the realities of domestic abuse”, and follows its 2022 “He’s Coming Home” campaign.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “The World Cup is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and cheer on our team.
“However, for women and children living with domestic abuse, ‘kick-off’ has a different meaning.
“For those living with abuse, the final whistle of the game signals the beginning of something frightening and potentially life-threatening.”
She added: “Whether England wins, loses, or draws, no woman or child should live in fear of that final whistle blow.
“We hope that our campaign helps raise awareness of this heinous crime, while also signposting people to support, not only for themselves, but for loved ones they’re concerned about.”
Women’s Aid ambassador Charlie Webster said: “The World Cup is one of those rare moments when the whole country holds its breath together – united, hopeful, alive. That joy is real, and it’s precious.
“But for women and children living with domestic abuse, tournament time brings something very different: heightened fear and heightened danger. That is a reality we cannot look away from.
“Football is our game. It belongs to all of us, and it should be a place of safety.”
England will play their first World Cup game against Croatia at 9pm BST on Wednesday.
