Police urge people to watch out for 3 subtle signs of abuse during the World Cup
Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence, which some readers may find distressing.
As football fans tune into this summer's World Cup, police are urging the public to be aware of the warning signs of domestic abuse.
Research has repeatedly found a link between major football tournaments and increases in domestic abuse reports, although experts are clear that football itself is not the cause.
According to research referenced by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), domestic abuse incidents reported to police increased by 38 percent when England lost a match, and by 26 percent when England won.
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Speaking ahead of England's first match in the 2026 World Cup tournament, which is against Croatia on Wednesday (17 June), Louisa Rolfe, the NPCC's Lead for Domestic Abuse, stressed that the sport itself should not be blamed.
"Football doesn't cause domestic abuse," she exclusively told Tyla. "But football, the emotions around football, and the potential for more drinking and drug use may lead to an increase in incidents of domestic abuse."
Police and charities have also recorded spikes in demand for support services during previous tournaments.
During the 2024 Euros, Respect, a UK charity with aims of stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, reported a 24 percent increase in calls to its men's advice line and a 39 percent increase in calls to its general helpline.
The NPCC also recorded hundreds of incidents where victims specifically identified a connection between abuse and football.
While many people think of domestic abuse as physical violence, police say some of the most serious cases begin with much subtler forms of control.
The national policing lead warned that coercive and controlling behaviour is often overlooked despite being one of the strongest indicators of risk.
"The most sinister abuse that we see, and often the abuse that escalates very quickly into the worst outcomes of homicide or victims taking their own lives, is often coercive, controlling behaviour," Rolfe outlined.
With that in mind, police are encouraging friends, family members and neighbours to look out for three common warning signs during the World Cup and beyond.
Becoming withdrawn
The first is a noticeable change in somebody's behaviour, with Rolfe warning over 'loved ones becoming withdrawn'.
Someone who was previously sociable may begin avoiding family gatherings, turning down invitations or becoming increasingly isolated from the people around them.
Police say this often happens gradually, making it easy for friends and relatives to miss.
Losing contact with a support network
Another warning sign is when a person appears to be losing contact with their support network because of a partner's influence.
The commissioner said people should pay attention to comments such as: "I can't come and see you as much as I used to because they don't like it when I spend time with you."
Experts say restricting a partner's contact with friends and family is a common tactic used by abusers to gain greater control over someone's life.
Loss of confidence or independence
And the third sign is a loss of confidence or independence, with Rolfe urging people to look out for their loved ones 'becoming less confident in themselves'.
Over time, coercive and controlling behaviour can leave victims questioning their own judgement, withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed or becoming increasingly reliant on an abusive partner.
Police say recognising these patterns early can make a significant difference.
The commissioner also urged people not to dismiss such concerns as a private matter, telling Tyla: "This is everyone's business and there might be something you can do about it.
"Too often it's seen as, 'That's somebody else's business, I don't want to interfere', but that allows them [abusers] to thrive."
The World Cup presents a unique challenge because heightened emotions, alcohol consumption and long days spent watching matches can exacerbate existing abusive behaviour in some households.
However, police are keen to stress that the overwhelming majority of football fans would never abuse their partners and that the tournament itself is not responsible for domestic violence.
Instead, experts say major sporting events can act as a trigger in relationships where abuse is already present.
Gemma Sherrington, CEO of the UK's largest specialist domestic abuse organisation, Refuge, told Tyla: "During major football tournaments such as this year’s Men’s World Cup, you will likely see headlines about rises in reports of domestic abuse. But domestic abuse doesn’t happen because the football is on, or because a team wins or loses.
"Perpetrators may use football or alcohol intake as an excuse, but there is never any justification for domestic abuse. It is the abuser's conscious actions alone that are to blame – not external events or circumstances. While these tournaments can exacerbate pre-existing behaviours, abuse happens all year round, often hidden and unreported."
For anyone experiencing abuse, the commissioner said support is available and encouraged victims not to be afraid of seeking help.
"If you're worried about contacting the police, we will want to listen," Rolfe concluded. "We care. We really, really want to improve our response to victims."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Topics: Crime, Police, UK News, World Cup, Tyla Exclusive
Rhiannon Ingle