A wide range of organisations across Avon and Somerset are working together to support and protect victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Partners are encouraging everyone to help prevent abuse by recognising the signs, staying alert, and knowing how to report concerns. They are also highlighting that perpetrators who are willing to change can access support to stop their behaviour, or face the consequences of their actions.
These messages are being delivered by police, local authorities, support services and charities as the 2026 World Cup gets underway. While many people are looking forward to weeks of enjoyment, celebration and togetherness, for others this period is likely to bring fear, anxiety and increased risk.
Heightened emotions, along with increased or prolonged drinking or drug use, are linked to rises in domestic abuse during major tournaments. However, partners stress that football itself is not the cause – abuse is caused solely by the behaviour of the perpetrator.
Domestic abuse is never acceptable, and there is no excuse for it. It can affect anyone and occur in any type of relationship, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, class, disability, sexuality, lifestyle, nationality or age.
Abuse may include physical or sexual violence, threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, or psychological and emotional harm. It may be a one-off incident or part of a pattern of behaviour.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult for a range of reasons. Individuals may face increased risk when they try to leave, as perpetrators attempt to regain control.
Accessing support from local or national organisations can be an important first step in exploring options and staying safe.
In Avon and Somerset, domestic abuse accounts for around 20% of police work, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Domestic abuse lead for Avon and Somerset Police, Detective Superintendent Kris Windsor, said:
Domestic abuse is a serious crime which can escalate quickly for victims and perpetrators. Many people may be closer to domestic abuse than they think.
We ask people to please trust their instincts and act. If you suspect domestic abuse is happening, don’t look away. Report it, anonymously if you wish. It could save a life.
As well as support for victims of domestic abuse, programmes are available nationally for perpetrators willing to take responsibility for aggressive, controlling or violent behaviours. Otherwise, we remind you that domestic abuse is against the law and may result in criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, said:
No result, no referee decision, no amount of alcohol creates domestic abuse. It is a choice, and it is a crime.
The ‘spikes’ in domestic abuse we see nationally during tournaments are not stats, they are women living in fear. We should be deeply concerned that they happen at all, and we must not accept this as inevitable. That is why I have been investing in strengthening the response to offenders and support for victims of domestic abuse.
We know this is a pattern, and that means it is preventable. Part of that prevention needs people to step forward – if you have concerns, if something doesn’t feel right don’t ignore it, report to the police. Remember, you could be the person that transforms a life.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, said:
International sporting events should be a time for joy, not fear. We all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling and reach out. Support is there for anyone who needs it, and speaking up can make a real difference. No one should feel unsafe in their own home, at any time.
Our Somerset Domestic Abuse Service is here to listen and support you in a safe and confidential way. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Call 0800 694 9999 or visit somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk to get help.
Sian Scholes, Director of Services at Next Link – which provides specialist domestic abuse services across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, said:
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned about someone you know, support is available. You are not alone and we encourage you to reach out for help. At Next Link we can help you take the next steps towards a safer future, free from abuse. You do not have to report to the police to get support.
We are proud to be working together with local partners to raise awareness and provide support. No one should feel afraid in their own home, and we are here to support all victims.
Cllr Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Policy Committee at Bristol City Council, said:
There are no excuses for domestic abuse. If your friend is excessively critical, jealous, controlling or possessive of their partner, they could be abusing them.
Conversely, if someone you know frequently has injuries or is cancelling plans, they could be being abused. Abuse can happen in any relationship and at any time. As emotions run high, it’s important that abusive behaviour is never minimised or ignored. If you have concerns about someone you know, contact Next Link.
Cllr Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities and local place and chair of the South Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnership, said:
The increase we see nationally in domestic abuse during major football competitions is not about a team winning or losing, it is about violence and control.
You may be reading this because you are experiencing domestic abuse now, or maybe because you have experienced it and you are worried it may happen again soon. Whatever the reason, if you are worried, we are here to listen and support you.
If you are reading this and you are an abuser, stop now. There is potentially support for you if you choose to make that step.
Domestic abuse is not inevitable.
Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said:
This continues to be an abhorrent crime affecting local communities. While football often heightens existing abuse, it isn’t the cause. Abuse is caused solely by the perpetrator’s behaviour.
I am keen to stress that the burden of domestic abuse should always fall squarely on the shoulders of the perpetrator themselves and not on the partners and families of the perpetrator.
If your behaviour is becoming unreasonable and you are losing control, help is available and the first conversation is the first step. We are all responsible for our own behaviour and we would encourage individuals to access support for problematic and abusive behaviours.
Maria Cripps, Assistant Director for Cranstoun’s Domestic Abuse Services in North Somerset, said:
At Cranstoun, we believe everyone deserves to live a life free from domestic abuse.
Our North Somerset service provides support for all those impacted by domestic abuse, through one-to-one support, programmes and interventions, each delivered by staff with specialist skills and experience.
Councillor Manda Rigby, Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) cabinet member for Communications and Communities, said:
It is so important to remember abuse is caused solely by the perpetrator’s behaviour. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone at any time and in all types of relationship and we are mindful that events like tournaments see spikes in this abhorrent behaviour nationally.
In Bath and North East Somerset, in addition to the 24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline and Victim Support, I want to highlight there is also local help from valued organisations.
VOICES is a Bath-based charity founded by survivors of domestic abuse. Visit their website to access peer support for women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
For confidential advice, information, and support, call Southside Independent Domestic Violence Service (IDVA) on 01225 331243. IDVA offers expert support to both men and women (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday). You can email them at enquiries@southside.org.uk.
Andy Iles, Domestic Abuse Service Manager at Southside, said:
We know from past tournaments that incidents of domestic abuse can increase nationally during high-profile matches. This is not just a statistic; it represents real people at risk behind closed doors. As excitement builds for the World Cup, so too must our commitment to prevention, protection, and support.
At Southside, we are here for anyone affected, providing confidential advice, specialist support, and a pathway to safety. If you or someone you know is at risk, please don’t wait. Contact Southside at Bath 01225 331 243, enquiries@south-side.org.uk or visit south-side.org.uk to access help and support.
Further support
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, you can find local support through the Help in your area section of the This Is Not An Excuse website.
People who are worried about their own behaviour and want help to change can find information and support through the If you are an abuser section of the This Is Not An Excuse website.
