A Swindon domestic abuse charity is urging residents to remain alert to the warning signs of abuse during the World Cup, highlighting research that shows incidents can rise sharply around major football matches.
Society Without Abuse (SWA), which has supported victims and survivors across the Swindon area for more than 50 years, says major international tournaments can be a particularly difficult period for people experiencing abuse at home.
The charity has warned that, based on national statistics relating to domestic abuse deaths and suicides linked to abuse, as many as seven women could lose their lives during the period of England’s group-stage matches alone. If England progresses through the tournament, the figure could rise significantly over the course of the competition.
Research has also found that incidents of domestic abuse increase by an average of 47 per cent on days when England wins a World Cup or European Championship match, underlining concerns about the impact major sporting events can have on vulnerable individuals and families.
As England prepares to begin its World Cup campaign, SWA says it is working closely with police and partner organisations to ensure support remains available for those experiencing abuse, as well as for people who recognise harmful behaviour in themselves and want help to change.
Kate Rowland, chief executive of the charity, said that while football tournaments bring excitement and a sense of community for many people, they can also create heightened risks behind closed doors.
She said incidents are not limited to the duration of a match itself, with evidence suggesting abuse can increase in the hours leading up to kick-off and continue long after the final whistle.
According to the charity, factors such as heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption can contribute to tensions that may escalate into abusive behaviour, regardless of whether a team wins or loses.
SWA is encouraging friends, neighbours, colleagues and family members to be aware of potential warning signs. These may include someone becoming increasingly isolated, withdrawing from social activities, appearing unusually anxious, or expressing concern about keeping a partner happy.
The organisation stresses that domestic abuse is not always physical. Emotional abuse, coercive control, psychological manipulation and financial abuse can all have serious and long-lasting effects on victims.
Alongside its support services for victims and survivors, the charity also operates Open2Change, a specialist programme designed to help people aged 16 and over address unhealthy or abusive behaviours within their relationships.
The service is available free of charge and aims to support individuals who want to take responsibility for their actions and build healthier relationships.
SWA is also encouraging local people to take part in its domestic abuse ambassador training sessions, which are designed to help members of the community recognise abuse and signpost those affected towards support.
As football fans across the country follow England’s progress in the tournament, the charity hopes the focus will remain on the action on the pitch rather than incidents taking place behind closed doors.
Anyone seeking advice for themselves or someone they know can contact Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
