The Respect Phoneline has launched the ‘Crossed the Line’ campaign to coincide with the 2026 World Cup, raising awareness of the helpline and urging anyone who is concerned about their behaviour to get in touch.
A 2014 study by Lancaster University analysed figures from Lancashire Constabulary across three tournaments and found that reported incidents of domestic abuse increase by 26% when England play and by 38% if they lose.* Football tournaments themselves do not cause domestic abuse, but the data shows they can exacerbate it, and are often combined with other risk factors, such as increased alcohol consumption and heightened emotions.
Following the last World Cup in 2022, researchers from the University of Warwick’s Business School found that reported cases of alcohol-related domestic abuse rose by 47% when England won its matches.** In reaction to the late kick-off times due to the North American locations of this year’s World Cup, alcohol licensing laws will be relaxed on some match days, with pubs able to stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Throughout the World Cup, we will be encouraging people who are worried their behaviour may have crossed the line to call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040 or to visit https://respectphoneline.org.uk/crossed-the-line.
Our campaign will be across social media platforms, predominantly Facebook and Instagram and we welcome support and engagement. Below is our Participation Pack, including key messaging and graphics you can use across your social media channels.
Participation Pack
*Lancaster University research
**Warwick Business School research
