Every time England plays, people affected by domestic abuse are at risk.
As World Cup football fever sweeps the county, we are urging fans, residents, and businesses to be extra vigilant for signs of domestic abuse and to help direct victims to support services.
Football itself is not the cause of domestic abuse, but research shows that rates increase when England plays. Whatever the score, victims suffer. Cases increase by 38per cent when England loses a match and 26per cent when they win or draw.
Following the successful World Cup 2022 and Euros 2024 and 2025 initiatives which inspired football fans and clubs across the county to take action, the ‘Support The Goal to End Domestic Abuse’ campaign returns this June and July. This year, it comes with the powerful backing of Kent FA, the official governing body for football in Kent and Medway, driving the message home at every level of the local game.
Led by Medway County Council, Kent County Council and the Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (KIDAS) and Medway Domestic Abuse Service (MDAS) partnership – and involving a range of partners – the campaign encourages residents, businesses, and community groups to become informed about the crime and to be able to direct people to safety, particularly during the Men’s World Cup 2026 football championship, when England will once again play to win.
To make it easy for communities to help spread the word and save lives, the council is providing downloadable posters and social media content ready for immediate use.
The World Cup focus is part of the wider ‘Know, See, Speak Out’ awareness-raising initiative. Running for the past five years, the campaign encourages everyone to make it their business to learn about, understand and be able to signpost those affected by domestic abuse to support. Domestic abuse can take many forms.
No space for domestic abuse
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader and White Ribbon Ambassador, said: “There is no space for domestic abuse anywhere in our community, and the responsibility sits with all of us to notice the signs and know where to point people for help. As a council – and a proud White Ribbon ambassador myself – we are committed to raising awareness about domestic abuse and supporting victims. This campaign aims to help raise awareness in what is unfortunately a time where more people are at risk than usual according to the research – so please ensure you do your bit and help spread the word.”
Domestic abuse affects more than 3.8million people a year in England and Wales, which includes an estimated to 61,500 adults in Kent and Medway. One in six crimes reported to Kent Police are domestic abuse related.
Domestic abuse is everybody’s business
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “Domestic abuse is everybody’s business – and everyone should feel comfortable asking those questions which could act as somebody’s lifeline. Domestic abuse is not always physical – it can be mental or financial abuse too – so making sure you know what to look out for is incredibly important. Honestly, this is a message we wholeheartedly wish we did not have to share – but for as long as there are people suffering from abuse we will continue to shine a light on the problem.”
Recognise the signs
Lucy Kidd, Head of Safeguarding and Welfare at Kent FA, said: “Domestic abuse has no place in our football communities at any time, and especially not during major tournaments that should unite us. We, the Kent FA, stand firmly in support of Kent and Medway’s End Domestic Abuse campaign, #KnowSeeSpeakOut. Through #KnowSeeSpeakOut, we urge everyone to recognise the signs, trust their instincts, and act. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct and say something, it could make all the difference.”
Access the #KnowSeeSpeakOut World Cup End Domestic Abuse resources here.
Support available in Medway
To access specialist Domestic Abuse support through MDAS or KIDAS please call Victim Support on 0808 168 9111 or visit: DomesticAbuseServices.org.uk, where you can also find information, resources and training webinars.
In an emergency, call the police on 999 (if you can’t speak, cough, or tap the handset then press 55 on your phone – the police will know it’s an emergency).