The NSPCC says children face greater risk of domestic abuse during the World Cup

The NSPCC are warning of an increased risk of domestic abuse during the Qatar World Cup following a spike in contacts to their Helpline about children experiencing violence and abuse at home during the last tournament.

They found that during the previous men’s football World Cup contacts to their Helpline about domestic abuse jumped by a third on the monthly average, while Childline saw a 17% increase on the monthly average for the number of counselling sessions delivered to children and young people about domestic abuse.

Heightened emotional stress, alcohol and betting on the games could act as potential triggers to incidents in the home over the next four weeks.

Information on support services for adults and children who are affected by domestic abuse are listed at the bottom of this page. For more information and examples of how to intervene safely, how to report violence to the police, and guidance for individuals worried about their own behaviour, please visit gov.uk/enough.

Sir Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, said:

“The majority of fans across the country will enjoy the World Cup with friends and family but for many children living with domestic abuse it will bring nervousness, fear and even violence. Anyone who hears or sees something worrying regarding a child while watching the football can reach out to the NSPCC Helpline for confidential advice.

Domestic abuse can decimate a child’s confidence and sense of security and without support it can have a devastating impact at the time and long into the future.”

Karl Lingham, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire FA, said:

“This should be a time when people across the country come together to celebrate the game we love but sadly for some the experience of a major tournament is very different.

With the safety and wellbeing of young people always at the forefront of our minds we hope that everyone can access support should they need it, which is why we are keen to raise awareness of this issue and highlight some of the services that can help.”

Support for adults affected by domestic abuse

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse. Call 08 088 088 088 or visit hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline run by Refuge can be called on 0808 2000 247. For more information about emotional abuse and domestic violence, call including how you can support survivors visit nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

The National Centre for Domestic Violence provide a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic abuse regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation. For more information visit ncdv.org.uk.

Men’s Advice Line offer non-judgmental support, practical advice and information and focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of any children). For more details visit mensadviceline.org.uk.

Support for children and young people

Childline understand how difficult it is for children to talk about domestic abuse. Whether it's happening now or happened in the past, Childline can be contacted 24/7. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and confidential. Children can also visit the Childline website.