The harrowing dark side of England's World Cup exit

The harrowing dark side of England's World Cup exitImage source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, Domestic abuse rises by 26% when England play and by 38% when they lose, according to research by Lancaster UniversityPublished2 minutes agoAs the full-time whistle blew in Atlanta on Wednesday, signalling England's exit from the World Cup, a wave of disappointment spread across the country. But for some, there was a very different emotion growing inside.Domestic abuse rises by 26% when England play and by 38% when they lose, according to research by Lancaster University. During a major football tournament such as the World Cup, some women and girls are constantly living in fear.Rebecca Goshawk, who works at domestic abuse charity Solace, was watching the semi-final against Argentina. "We know that there'll be survivors and victims frightened of their partners coming home and worried about what that might mean for them and their safety," she said."They're being shouted at. They're being belittled. They're being told they're useless. It can be as strong as physical violence against women, whether that's being hit or kicked. "For very few women will this be a one-off experience, because of a football tournament. It'll be a pattern that they're used to."300 domestic abuse offences during Euro 2024 Violence towards women and girls after football matches is a recurring issue. The National Police Chiefs' Council released data showing that more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported to police during Euro 2024, where victims believed the perpetrator's behaviour was linked to football.Statistics covering the period involving the 2026 World Cup will not be available for some time, but Goshawk says rates of misogyny and domestic abuse generally are not changing. She predicts the statistics for this World Cup will show similar numbers of domestic abuse in England.It is a dark side to a ma...