With a month to go to the World Cup in the USA, everyone is talking about who’s going to win and the politics surrounding the games, but there is little talk about preventing domestic violence. 

During the 2022 World Cup, which was held during the winter due to Qatar’s scorching summer temperatures, Women’s Aid created the campaign #Hescominghome as an attempt to reduce domestic violence. 

Although this campaign led to a 44% rise in visits to its donation page, and a 17% increase in visits to the support page, this campaign had zero budget so could only be so effective.

So it makes absolute sense that FIFA should fund a domestic violence campaign especially since they are expecting to make $13 billion in revenue from this World Cup.

A study from Lancaster University uncovered that when England loses a World Cup game, incidents of domestic violence increase by 38% and by a shocking 26% when they win.

This is why it is so important to have campaigns to prevent these high percentages.

“Football championships are a fantastic time for us to come together as a country through a game that many of us love,” said Teresa Parker, Head of Media Brand and Relationships at Women’s Aid. “However, for many women and children living with an abuser, major football tournaments can be a time filled with fear.”

She said: “While domestic abuse is not caused by football, we know existing abuse can become more severe or frequent during big tournaments.”

It is important to note that football is not the cause of domestic violence but it exacerbates an underlying problem. 

Unlike the 2022 World Cup which was held during England’s winter, this year’s event will start on 11 June. The summer weather will contribute to increased alcohol consumption and bring individuals in closer proximity to others. 

The England v Panama match on the 27 June is on a Saturday which, due to longer licensing hours and the following day off work, will mean the potential for an even greater increase in violence. 

The advertising board during the match should show the phone number for abuse call lines so that those who are attacked have a better chance at getting the safety and help they need. 

Also, each team playing in the tournament should make a short video on social media that condemns the act of violence, in hope that fans will watch and take on board the words of their idols. 

Ultimately, a lot needs to be done to unpick the relationship between the emotion for sport and the reaction of physical violence, and the governing bodies of these global events should take action to create a safer environment for all.