As the full-time whistle blew in Atlanta on Wednesday, signalling England's exit from the World Cup, a wave of disappointment spread across the country. But for some women and girls, a very different emotion was growing inside: fear. Research by Lancaster University shows domestic abuse rises by 26% when England play and by 38% when they lose.
Rebecca Goshawk, who works at domestic abuse charity Solace, was watching the semi-final against Argentina. “We know that there’ll be survivors and victims frightened of their partners coming home and worried about what that might mean for them and their safety,” she said. “They’re being shouted at. They’re being belittled. They’re being told they’re useless. It can be as strong as physical violence against women, whether that’s being hit or kicked. For very few women will this be a one-off experience, because of a football tournament. It’ll be a pattern that they’re used to.”
“Domestic abuse rises by 26% when England play and 38% when they lose, Lancaster University research shows.”
Violence towards women and girls after football matches is a recurring issue. The National Police Chiefs’ Council released data showing more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during Euro 2024, where victims believed the perpetrator’s behaviour was linked to football. Statistics covering the period involving the 2026 World Cup will not be available for some time, but Goshawk says rates of misogyny and domestic abuse generally are not changing. She predicts the statistics for this World Cup will show similar numbers of domestic abuse in England.
Solace tries not to place the onus on the football itself, but on the perpetrators, who are – in the vast majority of cases – men. Goshawk explains that an increase in the consumption of alcohol can also have an impact, heightening the feeling of loss or disappointment, which can then lead to aggression. The charity’s message to men is that this behaviour can change and that they can get help. “There are advice lines out there for men who are worried about their own abusive behaviours,” she said. “What we’d say to other men who may not be perpetrating this violence: You have a duty and a responsibility to understand and challenge it within your friendships and your family as well. We all do.”
The Crown Prosecution Service sees first-hand the impact that domestic abuse has on victims. It says that of every five cases the police refers to it, four result in charges being brought. Olivia Rose, the CPS’s National Stalking Lead, says it does not just see physical abuse – there is coercive and controlling behaviour too.
It is a dark side to a major sporting event that should bring joy to everyone, leaving victims living in fear long after the final whistle.