The harrowing dark side of England's World Cup exit

As the full-time whistle blew in Atlanta on Wednesday, signalling England's exit from the World Cup, a wave of disappointment spread across the country. But for some, there was a very different emotion growing inside.

Domestic abuse rises by 26% when England play and by 38% when they lose, according to research by Lancaster University.

During a major football tournament such as the World Cup, some women and girls are constantly living in fear.

Rebecca Goshawk, who works at domestic abuse charity Solace, was watching the semi-final against Argentina. "We know that there'll be survivors and victims frightened of their partners coming home and worried about what that might mean for them and their safety," she said.

"They're being shouted at. They're being belittled. They're being told they're useless. It can be as strong as physical violence against women, whether that's being hit or kicked.

"For very few women will this be a one-off experience, because of a football tournament. It'll be a pattern that they're used to."

300 domestic abuse offences during Euro 2024

Violence towards women and girls after football matches is a recurring issue. The National Police Chiefs' Council released data showing that more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during Euro 2024, where victims believed the perpetrator's behaviour was linked to football.

Statistics covering the period involving the 2026 World Cup will not be available for some time, but Goshawk says rates of misogyny and domestic abuse generally are not changing.

She predicts the statistics for this World Cup will show similar numbers of domestic abuse in England.

It is a dark side to a major sporting event, which should bring joy to everyone.

Goshawk says Solace tries not to place the onus on the football itself, but on the perpetrators, who are - in the vast majority of cases - men.

She explains that an increase in the consumption of alcohol can also have an impact, heightening the feeling of loss or disappointment, which can then lead to aggression.

The charity's message to men is that this is behaviour that can change and that they can get help.

She said: "There are advice lines out there for men who are worried about their own abusive behaviours.

"What we'd say to other men who may not be perpetrating this violence: You have a duty and a responsibility to understand and challenge it within your friendships and your family as well. We all do."

'World Cup should never be excuse to fuel abusive behaviour'

The Crown Prosecution Service sees first-hand the impact that domestic abuse has on victims.

It says that of every five cases the police refers to it, four result in charges being brought.

Olivia Rose, the CPS's National Stalking Lead, says it does not just see physical abuse. There is coercive and controlling abuse too.

"It's crucial for victims to spot the signs early," Rose said. "What our prosecutors see can include monitoring of victims' phones and social media, often inundating them with dozens of messages.

"There's also emotional blackmail, such as threatening to kill themselves if their partner leaves.

"It's incredibly important that we get the message out to say that behaviour like this is not just unacceptable: it's illegal."

The CPS, the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, say it works closely with the police and women's charities to ensure that action is taken to stop such behaviour and to help victims to get away.

It says it needs help from communities too. And it is urging people to look out for friends, family and neighbours who could be vulnerable during the World Cup.

"If you can step in to help, you could be making a life-changing difference," Rose said.

She also wants to get the message to victims that they will be supported if they speak out.

"We understand how difficult it can be to report domestic abuse," she added. "But if you come forward, you will be taken seriously, and we will bring offenders to justice.

"The World Cup should bring communities together, and it should never be an excuse to fuel abusive behaviour."

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse who is in immediate danger should always call 999. Victims can also report abuse to the police on 101.

Confidential support services are available. Anyone affected can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, external on 0808 2000 247 in England, or the Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 80 10 800 in Wales.