As England exited the World Cup, research from Lancaster University shows domestic abuse rises 26% when England play and 38% when they lose. During tournaments, women and girls live in fear of partners' reactions.

Rebecca Goshawk of charity Solace says abuse follows patterns beyond football, exacerbated by alcohol. National Police Chiefs' Council recorded over 300 offences linked to football during Euro 2024, with similar expectations for this World Cup.

The CPS's Olivia Rose notes four out of five referred cases result in charges. Abuse includes coercive control: phone monitoring, emotional blackmail, threats. Rose urges communities to watch for vulnerable people and victims to report, promising support and prosecution.

Helplines: National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (England), Live Fear Free 0808 80 10 800 (Wales), Solace 0808 802 5565. The World Cup should unite, not fuel abuse.