Women and children in abusive settings face ‘more sinister’ World Cup kick-off

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.”

Shaun Friel, Childline director at the NSPCC, said: “Major football tournaments are moments of national excitement and an opportunity for people to come together to support their team. But the data from previous competitions also tells us that for some families, it can also lead to an increased risk of domestic abuse.

“For children living in those homes, this can be frightening and confusing. They might not know who to turn to or even recognise that this is abuse. Similarly, some adults might be aware of a child who is witnessing abuse but are unsure of what to do or who to speak to.

“We really hope everyone gets to enjoy this World Cup in a fun and safe environment, but for any young people who are experiencing domestic abuse Childline will be here for them right through the tournament and beyond.”

England will play their first World Cup game against Croatia at 9pm on Wednesday.

Government to apologise on behalf of the state for historical forced adoption

A chilling Romanian exhibition replays videotaped secret police interrogations from 1989

England fans defy distances as hundreds gather on eve of World Cup opener

Impact of lack of delivery from Stormont is ‘toxic’, says Opposition leader

Starmer and G7 urge robust agreement to follow Trump’s Iran ‘breakthrough’ deal

Jeremy Clarkson reveals prostate cancer diagnosis in Clarkson’s Farm