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Responding to domestic abuse during the Men’s Football World Cup
8th June 2026
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Trigger warning: the signposting to support services on this page includes references to topics such as abuse and other potentially distressing content.
The men’s football World Cup is kicking off on Thursday 11th June, with England and Scotland both competing in the tournament this June and July. Here at Salisbury Foodbank we will be cheering our teams on.
While football does not cause domestic abuse, existing abuse can intensify or become more frequent during major football championships like the World Cup. Research by Lancaster University uncovered that cases of domestic abuse increased by 38% when England lost a match, and 26% when they won or drew.
Please see the list below of specialist helplines and guidance.
Specialist helplines and support for signposting
| Organisation | Telephone and availability for helplines |
| Refuge run a National Domestic Abuse Helpline as well as providing online information and webchat facilities. | Phone number: 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours, seven days a week |
| Women’s Aid (England) provide online resources and a web chat facility for people who want to speak to someone, but may not be ready or able to access services. They also offer information on how to cover your tracks online. | |
| The Men’s Advice Line provides support for men affected by domestic abuse. | Phone number: 0808 8010327, available Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 8.00pm. |
| Galop provide the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans+ Domestic Abuse Helpline. | Phone number: 0800 999 5428, Monday, Tuesday & Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm, Wednesday & Thursday 10.00am – 8.00pm |
| NSPCC provide support and advice for families and adults concerned about children and young people. | Phone number: 0808 800 5000, available Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm. |
| Respect gives advice to people who are finding it difficult to manage their behaviour and need help to change their ways. It includes help for young people using violence and abuse in close relationships and also helps male victims of domestic abuse. | |
| Childline provide support and in the moment counselling for children and young people via their helpline and 1-2-1 online chat service. Phone number: 0800 1111, available 24 hours, seven days a week. | Phone number: 0800 1111, available 24 hours, seven days a week. |
