Prosecutors in England and Wales expect rise in domestic abuse during World Cup | Domestic violence
Prosecutors in England and Wales expect incidents of domestic violence to rise during the men’s World Cup and have urged victims to come forward, saying those responsible will be “held to account”.
“We often see more cases of domestic abuse at major football tournaments like this,” CPS national pursuit leader Olivia Rose said. “The point we want to make is that those responsible will be held accountable and we will not hesitate to bring them to justice.”
“We know that football does not cause domestic violence, but alcohol and heightened emotions can make it worse,” he added.
Rose said the latest data shows four out of five police-referred domestic violence cases are charged, which “shows how seriously we take domestic violence.”.
In addition to warning perpetrators that their behavior is “not appropriate” [just] “It is unacceptable, it is illegal,” said Rose, adding that CPS also conveys this message to victims of domestic violence and asks them to report it to the police.
“We want victims to know that support is available for them and that we understand how difficult it can be to report domestic abuse, but if they come forward they will be taken seriously,” she said.
Reform MP Sarah Pochin faced criticism earlier this month when she posted on X: “We need Britain to keep winning for the sake of women’s safety.”
Domestic violence charity Refuge described her post as “deeply inappropriate”, adding: “Not only is it misleading but it could also allow perpetrators to evade accountability.”
Rose said: “The takeaway message is that we see abuses increasing in tournaments such as the World Cup, but there is never an excuse for winning or losing.”
Charity organization Women’s Aid has launched an awareness campaign. Other StarterBy highlighting an alternative start time, it indicates that the abuser could return home after the game and cause harm.
“Domestic abuse is still thought of as a ‘hidden’ crime because it most often 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 if they need it,” said Veronica Oakeshott, the company’s head of external relations.
Research Lancaster University It found that cases of domestic violence increased when England played, by 26% when they won or drew, and by 38% when they lost.
National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) also published the data It shows more than 300 domestic violence crimes were reported to police during the Euro 2024 tournament, where victims believed the perpetrator’s behavior was linked to football.
Louisa Rolfe, deputy commissioner and national police chief against domestic violence, said: “Our priority throughout the tournament is to support and protect anyone who may be at risk of domestic violence.
“Police and prosecutors work closely together to use all available powers to identify and arrest offenders, secure evidence and bring those responsible to justice.”
Refuge said domestic violence should not be attributed to anyone or anything other than the perpetrator.
“During major football tournaments such as this year’s men’s football World Cup, you’re likely to see headlines about increases in reports of domestic violence,” said Ellie Butt, head of policy and public affairs. “But whether a team wins, draws or loses, football does not cause abuse; abusers do.”
Butt said the Refuge welcomed efforts to prosecute perpetrators during the World Cup but “this understanding needs to go beyond the football season”. “While these tournaments may exacerbate pre-existing abuse, it happens all year long and is often hidden and unreported,” he said.
