Suffolk Domestic abuse charity issues World Cup warning as football tournament gets underway
Leeway says reports of domestic abuse have historically increased around major football tournaments
A domestic abuse charity is urging people experiencing abuse to seek support ahead of the FIFA World Cup, warning that reports of domestic abuse have historically increased around major football tournaments.
Leeway, which supports people experiencing domestic abuse across Suffolk, Norfolk and Bedfordshire, says major international tournaments can bring additional pressures and heightened tensions into some households.
The tournament begins today 11th of June 2026, with England among the teams competing.
"The choice is made by perpetrators"
Reece Lloyd, communications officer at Leeway, said evidence gathered over many years showed reports of domestic abuse can increase around major football matches, particularly when England loses.
However, he stressed that football itself is not the cause of domestic abuse.
"At the heart of domestic abuse is power and control," he said. "Whilst there are factors at play during these tournaments, such as heightened emotions, heightened tensions, perhaps increased alcohol consumption, these are not the sole reasons for instances increasing."
Mr Lloyd said it was important people understood that abuse remains a deliberate choice by perpetrators.
"It's still a choice by perpetrators and actually many people, they watch the football, and they behave in a perfectly normal and reasonable manner," he said.
Abuse goes beyond violence
He described domestic abuse as far broader than physical violence, warning that many perpetrators use intimidation, coercion and control to dominate victims' lives.
"This will mean that a perpetrator will use any given tactics really to control every aspect of their partner's life," he said. "It could be controlling who they see, where they go, how they perhaps spend their money, whether they work."
Mr Lloyd said many perpetrators rely on the threat of violence rather than violence itself.
"Many perpetrators aren't actually violent. They just use the threat of violence as a way to ensure compliance," he said.
"Why don't perpetrators just stop?"
Leeway said one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding domestic abuse is the belief that victims can simply leave abusive relationships.
Mr Lloyd said many people experiencing abuse fear they will not be believed, while others worry about the consequences of trying to leave.
"I think it's so easy to just say, 'well, why don't they leave if it's so bad?'" he said.
"But I think the real question should be, well, why don't perpetrators just stop? Because actually it's a choice to behave in that way."
He said perpetrators often use tactics designed to undermine confidence and self-esteem, leaving victims feeling isolated and dependent.
"A lot of that does come down to, again, chipping away at their confidence, their self-esteem, their belief and their personality, almost to the point where they feel like they have no one to turn to," he said.
"Fears during tournament periods"
Leeway warned that some people already experiencing abuse may feel anxious about the weeks ahead.
Mr Lloyd said perpetrators often use major events, including football tournaments, as another tool to justify controlling behaviour.
"There will be people that are not looking forward to this period because of the additional stresses, pressures, tensions and potentially heightened incidences that it can potentially bring," he said.
He encouraged anyone concerned about their safety to consider putting plans in place and reaching out for support.
That could include identifying trusted friends, creating a safety plan, or contacting specialist organisations for advice.
Support available
Leeway said it wants people experiencing domestic abuse to know support is available and that they will be listened to without judgment.
Mr Lloyd said contacting a support service can take enormous courage.
"I think statistically speaking, it's around 35 separate instances of abuse before someone simply picks up the phone," he said.
He added that every situation is different and that support is tailored to the individual's circumstances.
"We know that nobody's abuse is the same, and therefore it's really important that we're listening to each individual story and giving them some options," he said.
Anyone affected by domestic abuse can contact Leeway for confidential support and advice.
Other resources
For men: Respect Men's Advice Line: 0808 8010327
For women: National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 977 5690
Lighthouse Womens Aid: 01473 228 270