As the World Cup kicks off, Domestic Abuse doesn’t take a break
As football fans across the country prepare to cheer on their nations this summer, Telford & Wrekin Council is shining a light on a deeply troubling pattern: research consistently shows that incidents of domestic abuse rise significantly during major football tournaments.
Behind the flags, the jubilation, and the shared sense of national pride, for many people at home, the World Cup represents something very different - fear.
The statistics are stark. Studies carried out around previous major tournaments have found that domestic abuse incidents increase by as much as 38% on days when the national team plays, and by 26% even when they lose. Alcohol, heightened emotions, and the social pressure that surrounds big sporting events can create dangerous conditions for those living with an abusive partner. These are not abstract numbers - they represent real people in our communities, our streets, and our families.
Domestic abuse does not discriminate. It affects people of all genders, backgrounds, ages, and communities. It does not pause for a penalty shootout.
Throughout June and into July 2026, Telford & Wrekin Council is leading a wide-ranging programme of public events and professional training sessions in partnership with local organisations. The campaign aims to reach residents across the Borough - in shopping centres, community hubs, hospitals, bars and pubs, and online - to ensure that help and information is visible and accessible to all.
The following public events are open for anyone to attend:
- DA Awareness Coffee Morning
Voices Social Enterprise (led by Tracey Secker) invites the public to a relaxed coffee morning to learn more about domestic abuse support.
Friday 5 June 2026, 10.00am – 1.00pm, Bournville House
- DA Awareness Coffee Morning – Open to All Communities
Shropshire European Organisation (led by Kate Fejer, in partnership with Police, StaRS and Axis) is hosting a community coffee morning with a focus on Eastern European, African, Chinese and minority ethnic communities, though all are warmly welcome.
Thursday 11 June 2026, 12.00pm – 2.00pm, Donnington Community Hub
- DA Awareness Stall – Telford Shopping Centre
Telford and Wrekin Domestic Abuse Service, the combined forces of Cranstoun, West Mercia Women’s Aid and Axis, will be present in Telford Town Centre with an information stall throughout the day.
Tuesday 17 June 2026, 9.00am – 6.00pm, Telford Shopping Centre
- DA Awareness Stall – Princess Royal Hospital
SATH (led by Teresa Tanner, in partnership with Axis, StaRS, Police and Wrekin Housing Group) will be hosting an awareness stall at the Princess Royal Hospital, open to patients, visitors and staff.
Tuesday 17 June 2026, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Princess Royal Hospital
In addition, the Council’s Night-time Economy and Licensing team will be distributing domestic abuse awareness information to bars and pubs across the Borough throughout June, ensuring that venues are equipped to support anyone who may need help during match nights and evenings out.
Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All, said: “Major sporting events like the World Cup should be a time of celebration, but for many people they can bring increased fear and risk.
“The rise in domestic abuse linked to these tournaments is deeply concerning, and it’s something we cannot ignore. We want everyone across Telford and Wrekin to enjoy the football safely, while also being clear that abuse in any form is never acceptable.
“Through this campaign, we’re working with partners to raise awareness, reach those who may need support, and remind our communities that help is always available.”
The World Cup should be a time for joy, community, and celebration. But for those living with domestic abuse, every day can feel like anything but. We want everyone across Telford and Wrekin to know: support is here, help is available, and you are not alone. Love shouldn’t hurt.
Whether you are experiencing abuse yourself, concerned about someone you know, or simply want to learn more, we encourage you to attend one of our public events or to visit our dedicated support page.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic abuse, visit: www.telford.gov.uk/da