As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, people are urged to: Stop, Notice, and Act against domestic abuse. Don’t look away.
Research shows that domestic abuse incidents rise by 38% when England loses, and by 26% when they win or draw.
Football itself does not cause domestic abuse, but major tournaments can bring factors that raise the risk. This includes emotional stress, alcohol and substance use, financial pressures and gambling.
When something isnĘžt right – in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities – “blow the whistle”. That means recognising abuse, signposting to support, and speaking up if you witness or experience abusive behaviour.
Everyone has the right to feel safe
Domestic abuse takes many forms – including coercive control, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, in couple relationships or between family members.
Anyone can be affected: 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and 1 in 6 or 7 men.
No one should make you feel unsafe. All Defence personnel are expected to treat others with dignity and respect, inside and outside of work. There is no Defence for abuse.
Supporting the Armed Forces community
In a military context, there is a misconception that domestic abuse support services are only for the Service person and not the whole family.
Defence has a clear duty to safeguard our people and their families from domestic abuse and has a range of support services in place – in the UK and overseas – to ensure every person in the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) community gets the support they need and deserve.
No one should make you feel unsafe. All Defence personnel are expected to treat others with dignity and respect, inside and outside of work. There is no Defence for abuse.
Supporting the Armed Forces community
In a military context, there is a misconception that domestic abuse support services are only for the Service person and not the whole family.
Defence has a clear duty to safeguard our people and their families from domestic abuse and has a range of support services in place – in the UK and overseas – to ensure every person in the Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) community gets the support they need and deserve.
Defence’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan set out actions to tackle abuse through prevention, support and perpetrator interventions – backed by cultural change initiatives, leadership, education and training.
Support services for Armed Forces families
Holistic care and support
Support services for Armed Forces families
Holistic care and support
The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provides independent, trauma-informed support to victims-survivors and witnesses of serious crimes that have been committed by persons subject to Service law, in the UK and abroad.
The unit is independent of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (single Services’) Chains of Command and supports people throughout their journey in the Service Justice System. They also have independent advisors that specialise in domestic violence and sexual violence.
Specialist welfare services
The unit is independent of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (single Services’) Chains of Command and supports people throughout their journey in the Service Justice System. They also have independent advisors that specialise in domestic violence and sexual violence.
Specialist welfare services
Specialist welfare support refers to the Royal Naval Family & People Support (RN FPS), Army Welfare Service and the RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service. These services provide a variety of support, including making referrals to external specialist services.
These welfare services are confidential and independent of the single Services’ Chains of Command. For a list of services and contact details, visit GOV.UK.
Aurora New Dawn helpline
These welfare services are confidential and independent of the single Services’ Chains of Command. For a list of services and contact details, visit GOV.UK.
Aurora New Dawn helpline
The charity, Aurora New Dawn, has recently launched an Armed Forces helpline to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. This helpline can be accessed in the UK and Overseas by calling or WhatsApp to 0333 091 2527.
Overseas and emergency support
Armed Forces families who are stationed overseas can access welfare providers who provide specifical support for the Armed Forces community. Find worldwide domestic abuse support for families stationed overseas.
Overseas and emergency support
Armed Forces families who are stationed overseas can access welfare providers who provide specifical support for the Armed Forces community. Find worldwide domestic abuse support for families stationed overseas.
Overseas and emergency support is also available through the British Forces Social Work Service, which supports Armed Forces personnel and families, and entitled civilians, wherever they are in the world.
Unit support staff
Initial support and signposting can be provided by Unit support staff, who understand the dynamics of abuse and have knowledge of local support services.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
Unit support staff
Initial support and signposting can be provided by Unit support staff, who understand the dynamics of abuse and have knowledge of local support services.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
SARCs provide free, specialist care and support to anyone in the UK who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, at any time in their life. This includes the Armed Forces community, whether they are still serving, a Veteran or a family member.
Report domestic abuse
Report domestic abuse
You can report domestic abuse to Service Police – all specially trained in supporting victims-survivors of domestic abuse. You can also report a crime to the civilian police.
The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) investigates serious crimes, including domestic abuse and sexual offences. They operate independently of the single Services’ Chains of Command.
This World Cup, let's stand together against abuse. If something doesn't feel right or you witness or experience abuse – blow the whistle.
Useful information and signposting
This World Cup, let's stand together against abuse. If something doesn't feel right or you witness or experience abuse – blow the whistle.
Useful information and signposting
For information about domestic abuse support for Armed Forces personnel and families in the UK and overseas, read Defence’s Whole Force policy on domestic abuse.
For general information about domestic abuse and national support services, visit GOV.UK.
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Stress and anxiety
Self-refer by emailing: 
Or call their free helpline for support: 0800 999 3697