Domestic Violence Reports Rise During World Cup

Belgium’s domestic violence helpline 1712 recorded a 4% increase in calls during the World Cup football tournament compared to the same period last year, prompting renewed calls for awareness about the link between major sporting events and abuse at home. The helpline received 1,231 calls during the World Cup weeks, up from 1,184 in the same period in 2025, according to VRT NWS.

The increase was most pronounced in the first week of the tournament, followed by a clear decline after the competition ended. Reports primarily concerned child abuse, violence between adult family members, and violence outside the family context, with the pattern especially evident in households where emotional and physical violence already existed.

A Trigger, Not a Cause

Kasia Uzieblo, Flemish coordinator of helpline 1712, emphasized that football itself does not cause violence, but major tournaments can create conditions that exacerbate existing tensions.

“Violence never arises from a single event or problem,” Uzieblo told VRT NWS. “Both international experience and scientific research show that major sports tournaments can create circumstances that strengthen existing tensions and facilitate violent behavior.”

According to 1712’s official announcement, international studies show varying but clear increases in reports of intra-family violence during major sporting events, ranging from approximately 10% to as high as 30% in some studies.

“A football match doesn’t make anyone violent,” Uzieblo said. “What we do see is that major sporting events bring together various risk factors. When strong emotions, frustration, alcohol use, and existing relational tensions come together, the risk of violence can increase.”

Provocative Awareness Campaign

During the tournament, helpline 1712 launched a provocative awareness campaign with the message “Hopefully Belgium is quickly out of the World Cup” displayed on hundreds of digital screens across Flanders. After Belgium’s elimination on July 10, the message automatically changed to “Finally Belgium is out of the World Cup.”

The campaign was based on international scientific research. A 2013 study from Lancaster University found a 26% increase in domestic violence reports when England won or drew during World Cup tournaments, and a 38% increase when England lost. Researchers also found that incidents were higher on weekends and peaked when England was eliminated.

Uzieblo acknowledged the campaign might provoke reactions. “This campaign may rub people the wrong way, and we understand that,” she said. “Of course we also support the Red Devils and hope for a beautiful and long tournament. But precisely because football unleashes so many emotions, we find it important to also draw attention to people for whom such moments are less carefree.”

International Pattern Confirmed

The phenomenon extends beyond Belgium. In the United Kingdom, police forces recorded 384 incidents of domestic abuse linked to the World Cup between June 11 and July 20, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council. Domestic abuse reached a record high of 300 incidents on the night of the England vs. Norway match.

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, national policing lead for domestic abuse, noted that “football doesn’t cause domestic abuse, but we know from victims that many things can influence their experience of abuse, particularly the consumption of alcohol and drugs at a time of heightened emotions.”

Tanisha Jnagel, Head of Helplines at Respect, reported a 37% increase in calls to the Respect Phoneline during the World Cup compared to the same period last year. “We know that football tournaments don’t cause domestic abuse, but they can exacerbate it,” she said.

Growing Demand for Support

The World Cup figures come amid broader growth in demand for helpline services. In 2025, helpline 1712 received 10,670 calls — the first time it exceeded 10,000 calls, an 11% increase from 2024, according to the 1712 annual report. Fifty-eight percent of calls concerned child abuse, and 85% of situations occurred within the family context.

Uzieblo stressed that the increase in calls during the World Cup likely represents only the tip of the iceberg. “In situations where safety is acutely endangered, victims or those involved contact emergency services directly rather than a helpline,” she said.

The helpline is urging the public to pay extra attention to signs of domestic violence during major sporting events and to the role that alcohol and substance use can play. Early intervention, experts say, can prevent escalation.

What to Watch For

As major sporting events continue to draw large audiences, the correlation between tournament intensity and domestic violence reports is becoming increasingly well-documented. Helpline 1712 continues to provide free, anonymous support on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00 via phone, email, and chat, serving not only victims and bystanders but also people struggling with their own behavior.

The challenge ahead, experts say, lies in translating awareness into prevention — ensuring that the heightened emotions of tournament season do not translate into violence behind closed doors.