Stop domestic abuse. Don’t bring it home.

Stop domestic abuse. Don’t bring it home.

That’s the message from Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham Forest and Crimestoppers to fans watching the World Cup this summer.

The three organisations have teamed up for a campaign highlighting the rise in domestic abuse that typically takes place when major tournaments start.

While the return of football’s biggest showpiece is an exciting prospect for some, that sadly won’t be true for everyone, due to fears of what will happen at home when the football finishes.

That’s because – no matter the result – reports of domestic abuse increase nationally whenever England play, with incidents going up by 38 per cent after a loss and by 26 per cent following a win.

These offences also increase by 11 per cent the day after games – whatever the score – according to national statistics shared via Crimestoppers.

Whether that’s down to people drinking too much celebrating a victory, or drowning their sorrows after a defeat, Nottinghamshire Police’s position is clear: there is no excuse for domestic abuse.

That point is echoed too by Nottingham Forest – and one of the players who will be representing the Three Lions on the pitch at the World Cup in North America – Reds midfielder, Elliot Anderson.

The 23-year-old has showcased both his and the club’s support for Nottinghamshire Police’s campaign against domestic abuse by calling this behaviour out, alongside Detective Superintendent Lee Townley, the force’s strategic lead for domestic abuse.

“First and foremost, domestic abuse has no place in our society and is not acceptable for any reason, whether during the World Cup or otherwise,” said Det Supt Townley.

“I bring that last point up because sadly there is a trend nationally of these offences increasing whenever England are playing at major tournaments, no matter what the final score is.

“Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home or worry about the behaviour of another person coming back in through the door after a match – often fuelled by alcohol, drugs, or a mix of both.

“Whatever the reason behind it, there is no excuse for domestic abuse, so we’re grateful to Nottingham Forest and Crimestoppers for helping us spread this important message.   

“That abuse can take on many forms, with people left living in fear of violence and manipulative behaviour, so it is important people are able to spot the warning signs and that victims know they’re not alone and we’re there to help.

“There are so many different avenues of support open to anyone who needs it and different ways people can report abuse – either to the police directly or through Crimestoppers.

“Whichever way you choose to report these offences, please do, as we will listen.”

Common warning signs of domestic abuse can include:

• Your partner has a bad temper and you feel afraid to challenge them
• They are physically violent towards you
• Criticise what you wear and undermine how you think or feel
• Repeatedly accuse you of cheating on them
• Ask for all your passwords so they can monitor your messages
• Control your access to basic essentials
• Threaten to hurt themselves or others if you end the relationship

Nottinghamshire Police will be running several initiatives aimed at tackling domestic abuse throughout the World Cup, with more officers visibly deployed in and around town centres.

Neighbourhood policing teams will also be visiting licensed premises and engaging with members of the public to raise awareness around the risks relating to domestic abuse and what people can do about it.

Specialist safeguarding teams will also be revisiting previous victims of domestic abuse, especially those where there is a history of football violence.

Stopping violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a longstanding policing priority in Nottinghamshire, with ‘Walk in My Shoes’, ‘Ask for Angela’ and White Ribbon’ among the different campaigns or initiatives the force has either started or actively supported.

One recently launched policing operation – Project Vigilant – aims to strengthen safety for women and girls on nights out, with plain clothed officers patrolling Nottingham city centre to disrupt predatory behaviour before a crime is committed.  

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Service (DVDS), also known as Clare’s Law, is another scheme that allows people to find out from the police if their partner or former partners have a history of domestic abuse and present a risk.

How to report domestic abuse

If you think you could be a victim of domestic abuse, or suspect someone else could be going through it, please call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 and speak with a call handler.

If you are not able to talk when you need urgent police help, the Silent Solution service is available.

After dialling, listen to the questions from the call handler and respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can. If prompted, press 55 to let the call handler know it is a genuine emergency and you will be connected to the police.

Help and support are available from other agencies, including JUNO Women’s Aid, which provides a 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline for women, teenage girls and children on 0808 800 0340.

Alternatively, Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid provides an extensive range of services for women, young people and children on 01909 491 330.

For a free helpline for men who experience domestic abuse, call Equation on 0800 995 6999.

You can find out more information about domestic abuse and initiatives linked both to that and violence against women and girls using the links below.

Domestic abuse: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

White Ribbon Day: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/police-forces/nottinghamshire-police/areas/campaigns/2025/white-ribbon-day-and-16-days-of-action/

Walk in My Shoes: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/police-forces/nottinghamshire-police/areas/campaigns/2025/walk-in-my-shoes/

Ask for Angela: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/police-forces/nottinghamshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/ask-for-angela/