Legal News

A domestic violence charity is calling for more awareness of the issue of domestic abuse, after police warned that during the World Cup a surge in domestic violence reports is expected.

Chief executive of domestic violence charity Refuge, Sandra Horley said that it is important to remember that domestic abuse is not just related to football.

Several police forces have launched domestic violence awareness campaigns to encourage victims of domestic abuse to report incidents during the World Cup.

Researchers at Lancaster University have found that when England loses a game, reports of domestic violence increase by 38%.

During the last three World Cup tournaments, domestic violence reports also increased by an average of 26% when England won or drew a game.

Figures for Greater Manchester Police shows that when England was eliminated from the World Cup in 2010, there was a 43% increase in reports of domestic violence, with nearly 6,000 emergency calls made to the police within 24 hours.

The Northwest Ambulance Service also recorded higher levels of callouts as a result of domestic violence after England left the World Cup in 2010.

Spokesman for the ambulance service Derek Cartwright told ITV News:

“In previous tournaments we have seen the combination of expectations, emotions, warm weather and alcohol consumption result in an increase in 999 calls for assaults.

“We urge people to think first, drink sensibly and remain aware of their actions so they can enjoy the matches in good spirit and avoid harm to themselves and other people.”

Sandra Horley of Refuge said that it was important to remember, however, that domestic violence happens “all year round” and is not just related to football matches.
“Lots of men who abuse women have no interest in sport whatsoever – and many men who are avid football fans never lay a finger on their partners.

"Domestic violence happens all year round – whether the England football team is playing or not,” she added.


The anticipated surge in domestic abuse during the World Cup means that police forces across the UK are trying to identify potential domestic abusers as the football tournament gets underway.

In Northumbria, police have launched a campaign called Kick Off – and Northumbria Police Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has echoed the opinion of other domestic violence experts by saying there is a tendency for domestic violence incidents to be higher during high-profile sporting events such as the World Cup, with incidents often related to increased consumption of alcohol.

“With this in mind, our police are using the competition to target offenders,” she said.

"There will be dedicated cars at each area command responding to domestic violence calls while England matches are played.

“High-risk domestic violence offenders – and those with links to football violence – have been identified across the force area and officers will be paying special attention to them.”

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of domestic violence solicitors and can advise victims of domestic abuse on their rights under the law.

Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors and can advise on domestic violence issues under UK law or Islamic law.

For expert and confidential help with domestic abuse, contact the Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors Helpline on 07920 077054.