It’s Coming Home

The World Cup and Domestic Violence

The World Cup is in full swing. Flags decorate pub windows. People are watching matches and highlights while on the train. And, football has seemingly surpassed the weather as the most popular conversation topic. 

Yet, amid the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, the World Cup has a dark side.

Statistically, it is a time when domestic abuse increases significantly. A 2014 study found that abuse incidents rose by 38% when England lost and by 26% when England won or drew in these types of international matches. This study also showed that the day after either a win or a loss, domestic violence increased by 11%. This study is just one of many. The University of Warwick conducted a separate study that found that England victories in international tournaments led to a 47% increase in alcohol-related domestic abuse cases. Looking at police statistics, Sussex police received double the usual number of 999 calls related to domestic violence during the 2022 World Cup. These are all major increases, and we cannot ignore this issue.

While the link between sporting culture and domestic violence has identified for decades, there are many questions surrounding these statistics. For instance, why are there increases even when the team in question wins? While this may seem counterintuitive, the match itself produces circumstances where abuse becomes more likely. Studies analysing domestic violence and football have linked domestic violence risk based on a few factors. These include use of alcohol, a poor attitude towards women, a male-dominated atmosphere, and the fact that sports do condone a degree of aggression. This combination can translate into a dangerous setting with increased abuse.

Domestic abuse survivors, however, are calling this increase what it is “using football as an excuse” for abuse. It is not a justification. It is an excuse for something that is simply inexcusable. The fact of the matter is that millions of people in England watch World Cup matches. Out of those millions, only a small fraction abuse their partner or their family afterwards. There are plenty of ways to cope with strong emotions that do not harm anyone, and even the most fanatical of fans are capable of handling a loss without breaking the law. The law itself also does not bend because an abuser was drunk or emotional from sports. Domestic violence is not legal. There is not a football exception.

FIFA has been campaigning that Football Unites the World. Per their own explanation, it is a global movement to bring people together. They have even combined it with Unite for Peace in order to use football to foster dialogue and peace throughout the globe. However, there is no acknowledgement in either of these campaigns to address the increased domestic violence associated with football. Given their laudable goals in these campaigns, football’s link with domestic violence is a stain on their reputation that needs to be immediately addressed.

At MGB Law, we have lots of football fans in the office. After reviewing these statistics, the response is twofold. The first response is immediate concern for the victims. The second, however, is indignant. How dare you tarnish our sport with this behaviour! Football is supposed to be fun and joyful. 

It is chilling to think that while most people are excited for upcoming matches, some are bracing for violence. Instead of a countdown to an enjoyable evening, abuse victims are anticipating their next injury or hospital visit and are genuinely afraid for their lives. It can be a quiet dread or a full-blown anxiety attack knowing that abuse is coming.

For abuse victims, the next question becomes how to gain protection. This may feel like a daunting or impossible task, but there are legal options. At MGB Law our solicitors know the law and how to guide you through the process. Abusers may blame the passion of the moment or too much alcohol, but the legal and ethical reality is that abuse is never acceptable. And, it is not normal for a football game to spark fears for your safety.