Support is a team sport

This summer, the country will be gripped by the thrills and spills of the men’s Football World Cup. This should be a time of real excitement and community.

But for too many people, it’s a time of real fear.

Domestic abuse spikes during men’s football tournaments. Research shows that whenever England’s men’s team plays, there is an increase in domestic abuse reports - win, lose, or draw.

Real fans look out for more than the score

Football doesn’t cause domestic abuse. But we know that existing abuse can become more severe or frequent during major tournaments.

Heightened emotions, combined with factors like increased alcohol consumption, can escalate harmful behaviour. Behind closed doors, victim-survivors may spend weeks dreading match days, feeling anxious and unsafe in their own homes.

“Now I'm free, I can see so clearly that it was harmful, for me and the children; we just couldn't relax in our own home during these football tournaments, and I would be relieved when it was all over.”

– Member of Hestia survivor working group

Through our #SupportIsATeamSport campaign we’re:

• Raising awareness of the heightened risk of domestic abuse during men’s international football tournaments
• Helping people recognise the signs of abuse and equipping them with practical actions to support those at risk

Because real fans look out for more than the score.

Be part of the team

This summer, we all have a role to play. We can all help victim-survivors feel less alone, and get the support they need.

That means being extra vigilant to the signs of domestic abuse, and checking in with those who may be at risk - before, during and after matches.

We have a toolkit for partners that would like to support and share the campaign. Download this below:

Download toolkit

Download Bright Sky UK app today:

Hestia’s Bright Sky app is a free, confidential app that can help you:

• Recognise the signs of domestic abuse
• Find advice on how to support someone safely
• Access local and national support services
• Locate safe spaces in your community

In preparation for the World Cup, we have updated the app to include advice on how to support people during major football tournaments.

• As an individual: download the app, learn what you can do, and encourage your friends and family to the same ahead of the tournament.
• As a business, organisation or community group: use your communications channels, such as internal emails, intranet posts and staff networks, to promote the Bright Sky app and encourage downloads.

Let’s make the UK a safer, more supportive place for those at risk of domestic abuse. Because #SupportIsATeamSport

Download Bright Sky UK app today: