As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, people are urged to: Stop, Notice,
and Act against domestic abuse. Don’t look away.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup – which will take place from 11 June to 19 July – is a time for celebration, community and a shared love for the game. But for some people, this period is marked by increased domestic abuse.
Research shows
that domestic abuse incidents rise by 38% when England loses, and by 26% when
they win or draw.
Football itself
does not cause domestic abuse, but major tournaments can bring factors that
raise the risk. This includes emotional stress, alcohol and substance use,
financial pressures and gambling.
When something
isnʼt right – in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities – “blow
the whistle”. That means recognising abuse, signposting to support, and speaking
up if you witness or experience abusive behaviour.
Everyone has the right to feel safe
Domestic abuse
takes many forms – including coercive control, physical,
emotional and sexual abuse, in couple relationships or between family members.
Anyone can be
affected: 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse
in their lifetime, and
1 in 6 or 7 men.
No one should
make you feel unsafe. All Defence personnel are expected to treat others with
dignity and respect, inside and outside of work. There is no Defence for
abuse.
Supporting the Armed Forces community
In a military
context, there is a misconception that domestic abuse support services are only
for the Service person and not the whole family.
Defence has a
clear duty to safeguard our people and their families from domestic abuse and
has a range of support services in place – in the UK and overseas – to ensure
every person in the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) community gets the
support they need and deserve.
Defence’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan set out actions to tackle abuse through
prevention, support and perpetrator interventions – backed by cultural change initiatives,
leadership, education and training.
Support services for Armed Forces families
Holistic care and support
The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides independent, trauma-informed
support to victims-survivors and witnesses of serious crimes that have been
committed by persons subject to Service law, in the UK and abroad.
The unit is
independent of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (single Services’)
Chains of Command and supports people throughout their journey in the Service
Justice System. They also have independent advisors that specialise in domestic
violence and sexual violence.
Specialist welfare services
Specialist
welfare support refers to the Royal Naval Family & People Support (RN FPS), Army Welfare Service and the RAF Personal Support and Social Work
Service. These services
provide a variety of support, including making referrals to external specialist
services.
These welfare
services are confidential and independent of the single Services’ Chains of
Command. For a list of services and contact details, visit GOV.UK.
Aurora New Dawn helpline
The charity, Aurora
New Dawn, has recently
launched an Armed Forces helpline to support victim-survivors of domestic
abuse, sexual violence and stalking. This helpline can be accessed in the UK
and Overseas by calling or WhatsApp to 0333 091 2527.
Overseas and emergency support
Armed Forces
families who are stationed overseas can access welfare providers who provide
specifical support for the Armed Forces community. Find worldwide domestic abuse support for families stationed overseas.
Overseas and
emergency support is also available through the British
Forces Social Work Service,
which supports Armed Forces personnel and families, and entitled civilians,
wherever they are in the world.
Unit support staff
Initial support
and signposting can be provided by Unit support staff, who understand the
dynamics of abuse and have knowledge of local support services.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
SARCs provide free, specialist care and support to anyone
in the UK who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, at any time in
their life. This includes the Armed Forces community, whether they are still
serving, a Veteran or a family member.
Report domestic abuse
You can report
domestic abuse to Service Police – all specially trained in supporting
victims-survivors of domestic abuse. You can also report a crime to the civilian
police.
The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) investigates serious crimes, including
domestic abuse and sexual offences. They operate independently of the single
Services’ Chains of Command.
This World Cup,
let's stand together against abuse. If something doesn't feel right or you
witness or experience abuse – blow the whistle.
Useful information and signposting
For[LA1] [EM2] information about domestic abuse
support for Armed Forces personnel and families in the UK and overseas, read Defence’s Whole Force policy on
domestic abuse.
For general
information about domestic abuse and national support services, visit GOV.UK.