Give Domestic Abuse the Red Card Brighton and Hove World Cup 2026 Warning
Brighton and Hove City Council is urging people to give domestic abuse the red card during the 2026 World Cup. Image: Brighton and Hove City Council via LinkedIn
Brighton and Hove City Council is urging people to give domestic abuse the red card as the World Cup begins, with research showing incidents of abuse rise significantly during major football tournaments
The 2026 World Cup kicked off on 11 June, bringing excitement for millions of football fans. But for many women and children living in abusive households, major tournaments are a time of heightened fear and dread. Brighton and Hove City Council is calling on residents to be vigilant, care about others and call out inappropriate behaviour.
A study by Lancaster University found that reported cases of domestic abuse increased by 38% when England lost a match and by 26% when they won or drew. A separate study conducted by the University of Warwick found that an England victory in an international tournament is followed by a 47% increase in the reported number of alcohol-related domestic abuse cases. During the 2024 Euros, police reported 351 domestic abuse incidents as football related.
Football and alcohol do not cause domestic abuse. But existing abuse can intensify during major tournaments, and many victims learn to dread them. Domestic abuse rates are known to increase by up to 10% after a football team experiences an unexpected loss. The beginning of a tournament and the associated betting can add another layer of risk.
Two million women are estimated to be victims of violence perpetrated by men each year in the UK. This happens all year round, at all levels and in all areas of society. Violence against women and children does not only mean physical abuse. It also includes psychological and emotional abuse, coercive control, financial and economic abuse and sexual abuse.
What the council is saying
Councillor Sam Parrott, lead member on violence against women and girls at Brighton and Hove City Council, said the World Cup is a chance for many to unite in anticipation, joy, celebration, pride or, in the worst case scenario, collective disappointment. She said that for many women and children living in abusive households it is sadly a time of heightened fear and dread.
Councillor Parrott said it is important to keep the link between tournament season and domestic violence in mind, to be vigilant, care about others and call out inappropriate behaviour. She added that if anyone is experiencing domestic abuse, whether physical or emotional, they should not hesitate to reach out to any of the organisations set up to help and support them in finding their way to safety. She said this is not just for the World Cup, support is always just a phone call or a tap on a keyboard away.
Councillor Parrott also addressed those worried about their own behaviour, saying that if anyone is worried about their own behaviour, alcohol consumption or the effect of heightened emotions that the World Cup season brings, they should be brave and reach out to the Respect phoneline. She said no football match in the world is worth the safety, wellbeing and trust of a family and the future of a relationship with a partner or children.
Where to get help if you are experiencing domestic abuse
If you think you might be experiencing domestic abuse, call the local Victim Support helpline on 0300 323 9985, available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. You can also start a live chat with a trained supporter at any time, free and confidential, available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
The 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247.
In an emergency, always call 999. If it is not safe to speak, call 999 and press 55 to be transferred to the local police force using the Silent Solution system.
There are also many local resources available. Details of local support services are available on the Brighton and Hove City Council support for victims of domestic violence and abuse page. All websites mentioned have a quick exit feature.
You can also find out if your partner has a history of domestic abuse through the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare's Law. You can make a request through the Sussex Police website.
Support for those worried about their own behaviour
If you are worried about your own behaviour in relationships, support is available. Call the Respect phoneline on 0808 802 4040 to talk about your behaviour in confidence. The line is open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm. A helpline advisor will listen without judgement and give honest advice. Webchat is also available Monday to Friday 9am to 10am. More information is available at respectphoneline.org.uk.
The Cranstoun Men and Masculinities programme is designed to support men who are aware that their behaviour is damaging or distressing within their relationships. The 24-week group programme explores behaviour, how it affects others, and how to act differently. It is available for straight men and bisexual men in relationships with women. One to one support is also available for women and LGBTQ+ people who have used damaging behaviour in relationships. More information is available at cranstoun.org.
For more Brighton and Hove City Council news read our coverage of Carers Week in Brighton and Hove 2026 and the latest from Brighton Events Guide 2026. For daily local news follow ImJustBrighton.
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