The Hidden Impact of Football on Families

The Link Between Major Football Events and Domestic Abuse

For many, football is a celebration. But for some families, match day can bring fear instead of excitement. During major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup or the European Championships, football often dominates conversations, social plans, and media coverage.

I’m Kiera, an MSc student at King’s College London studying Psychology and Neuroscience: Mind-Body Interface, and a placement student in the Stress, Psychiatry, and Immunology Lab within the Perinatal Psychiatry section. My research interests focus on women’s health and wellbeing, both physical and psychological. Drawing on my background in psychology, neuroscience, and women's health, I wanted to explore the troubling rise in domestic violence during football season and its implications for women's physical and mental health.

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Sport events for fanatics are a way to come together and support their favourite team, which creates a sense of unity, excitement, and shared identity. However, match days can bring anxiety and fear rather than enjoyment for those living in abusive households. The high and intense nature of major football events is often associated with heavy drinking, sports betting, and extreme emotional investment, all of which may contribute to increased tension within the household. 

Intimate partner violence refers to physical, sexual, or psychological harm inflicted by a current or former partner. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly one third (27%) of women aged 15-49 years who have been in a relationship, have experienced some form of physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner. Men can also experience domestic abuse, although women are disproportionately affected by severe and repeated forms of partner violence. In England and Wales, the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that approximately 1.6 million women and 712,000 men experienced domestic abuse in the year 2024.

The effects of intimate partner violence extend far beyond the immediate physical harm caused during an abusive incident. Physical injuries such as bruises, fractures, and head trauma are common immediate outcomes, but survivors may also experience longer-term physical health consequences including chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, and reproductive health problems. Psychological effects are also widespread, with survivors frequently reporting depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Children who are exposed to domestic violence may also experience lasting developmental consequences. Studies have found that children growing up in violent households are at a greater risk of emotional difficulties, behavioural problems, and poorer educational outcomes later in life.

Why Football Can Intensify Emotions  

Football as a sport can be deeply personal for ardent fans, often ruling their emotional states. A good match day favouring their team will increase positive feelings and bring about a shared sense of happiness, community, and belonging. Nonetheless, unfavorable match results can instill severe negative emotions which, for some, may be associated with problematic behaviours. 

Research examining sport and interpersonal violence suggests a short-term increase in reports of domestic abuse following football games. One study analysing incidence of abuse in relation to American football games found that unexpected losses—games in which a team strongly expected to win but ultimately lost—were associated with roughly a 10% increase in at-home violence by men against their female partners. A team’s expected loss or unexpected win was not reported to have any significant association with incidence of domestic abuse.

Notably, violence that occurred after unexpected losses was concentrated in the hours immediately following the game. These findings suggest that heightened emotional arousal following unexpected sporting outcomes (particularly those that violate strong expectations) may temporarily increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviour in some individuals. However, it does not suggest that sporting outcomes cause abuse; highly emotional events may coincide with increased reports of violence in relationships where abusive dynamics are already present. Violence, regardless of the context, is always the responsibility of the perpetrator.

Football Tournaments and Domestic Abuse Patterns

Literature surrounding domestic abuse during football tournaments in England has identified similar patterns. Analysis of police records conducted by researchers at Lancaster University found that reported domestic abuse incidents increased approximately 26% when the England national team played and by 38% when they lost during major tournaments. Reports also remained elevated by around 11% on the following day of the match, regardless of outcome.

These findings refer to domestic abuse more broadly, which includes violence between intimate partners as well as abuse within other family relationships. While intimate partner violence constitutes a large proportion of domestic abuse cases, it is important to recognise that these statistics capture a wider category of harm.

The Role Of Alcohol and Other Risk Factors  

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgement, making it more difficult for individuals to regulate their emotions or respond calmly to stressful situations. Major sporting events are often accompanied by increased alcohol consumption, which research has shown can intensify impulsive aggressive behaviour in some contexts.

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Other factors may also contribute to increased risk. Financial stress linked to sports betting, existing relationship conflict, and cultural norms surrounding masculinity and emotional expression may all influence how individuals respond to frustration or disappointment during sporting events.

Together, these pressures can make emotionally charged situations harder to manage. In households where abusive dynamics already exist, these factors may elevate the likelihood of violent incidents.

The Impact on Victims and Families 

While football matches themselves are temporary, periods surrounding major tournaments can be particularly stressful for individuals living in an abusive household. Survivors have reported anticipating increased tension during match days, particularly when past incidents of violence have occurred in similar situations.

The possibility that a partner may react aggressively to emotionally charged situations can create heightened anxiety and vigilance among victims. 

Raising Awareness and Supporting Survivors

In the United Kingdom, support organisations such as Women’s Aid and the National Centre for Domestic Violence, have reported anticipating higher demand for their services during major tournaments. These organisations provide legal advice and practical support for survivors. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, operated by Refuge and Women’s Aid, offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day (0808 2000 247).

Image Source: National Centre for Domestic Violence

Raising awareness of patterns surrounding such events can help highlight risks and ensure that support services are visible during this time. Public awareness campaigns during major tournaments aim to remind individuals experiencing abuse that support is available, and confidential help can be accessed.

Sharing information about these services through social media platforms can help assure individuals, who are experiencing abuse, that they are not alone in this battle and seeking aid is always an option.

Addressing domestic abuse requires broader societal and institutional responses, including survivor support services, legal protections, and prevention programmes that address the underlying causes of violence. Awareness campaigns during major sporting events are therefore not intended to solve the problem of abuse, but rather to ensure that individuals who may be at risk know where they can find help.