Councils stand ready to support victims of domestic abuse during 2026 World Cup

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Local Government Association is highlighting the vital role councils play in supporting victims of domestic abuse and calling on the Government to ensure they are properly resourced to do so.

Cllr Sara Conway, Vice-Chair of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Committee said: "Domestic abuse is a horrendous crime, which can have a long-term and devastating impact on the people and families affected, in particular children. While the vast majority of those watching football games are not in any way involved in domestic abuse, data shows a spike in incidents during this time.

"Our ambition as a society must be to do everything we can to tackle domestic abuse head on and eradicate it. The World Cup presents us with a vital opportunity to help teach younger people about healthy relationships and how to treat one another with respect as embodied in the ideal of sportsmanship.

"An equal focus is needed on funding for prevention and early intervention measures that aim to prevent domestic abuse happening in the first place, alongside wider community-based domestic abuse support services and accommodation-based support and refuges.

"Local government is a vital partner, working with resident and partner organisations every day to keep communities safe, prevent abuse and support victims and survivors. Councils stand ready to play their full part, but national ambition must be matched by a clear recognition of local leadership and responsibilities, and should be backed up with the resources to deliver these services fully."

Ends

Notes to editors:

• A Lancaster University study showed during the 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups: a 26 per cent increase in reported domestic abuse incidents when England won or drew, 38 per cent increase when England lost, 11 per cent increase the following day, regardless of the result and a broader tournament effect, with incidents increasing as tournaments progressed.
  
• Warwick Business School research, using ten years of West Midlands Police data, found: a 47 per cent increase in alcohol-related domestic abuse on the day of an England victory in a match at the World Cup or European Championship and 18 per cent increase the following day.
  
• If you are a victim of domestic abuse there are a number of authorities and charities who can help you. If you are worried about your relationship or that of a friend or family member, you can contact the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.womensaid.org.uk.
  
• Some immediate options may be to:
• Report the domestic abuse to police
• Leave home temporarily, or permanently
• Stay in your home and get the person who is harming you to leave
  
• Most police forces have Domestic Violence Units or Community Safety Units with specially trained officers to deal with domestic violence and abuse.
  
• You should call 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency or you can attend a police station in person to report an incident. Women's Aid can help victims contact an independent domestic violence adviser or a solicitor who is experienced in family law. There are a number of other domestic violence charities, including Refuge, Relate and Mankind which offer advice and support for domestic violence victims.