As England prepares to kick off its men's World Cup campaign, prosecutors in England and Wales are bracing themselves for a surge in domestic abuse cases. The statistics are stark: during major football tournaments, the number of reported incidents tends to increase significantly, with victims often linked to perpetrators' heightened emotions and excessive alcohol consumption.
Olivia Rose, the CPS national stalking lead, is well aware of this pattern. 'While football itself does not cause abuse,' she stresses, 'the associated factors can intensify pre-existing issues.' Recent data from the CPS shows that four in five domestic abuse cases referred by police result in charges – a testament to the service's commitment to tackling this serious crime.
The message is clear: abusive behaviour is unacceptable and illegal. To raise awareness, the charity Women's Aid has launched 'The Other Kick Off' campaign. Veronica Oakeshott, head of external affairs at Women's Aid, notes that the World Cup presents an opportunity to shed light on this often 'hidden' crime – and remind women of available support services.
Research from Lancaster University underlines the correlation between England's matches and domestic abuse incidents: a 26% increase in reported cases when England wins or draws, escalating to a 38% rise if the team loses. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reports over 300 similar offences during Euro 2024.
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe reaffirms law enforcement's commitment: 'We will work collaboratively with prosecutors to identify and arrest offenders, secure evidence, and ensure justice for victims.' Charities like Refuge welcome the focus on prosecution but stress that tackling domestic abuse must remain a year-round priority.
Source: Crown Prosecution Service, Women's Aid, Lancaster University, National Police Chiefs’ Council, Refuge