ActionAid warns World Cup can coincide with rise in domestic abuse reports

Domestic abuse awareness urged during Men’s World Cup, says ActionAid Ireland. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The Fifa Men’s World Cup gets under way on Thursday, and a charity has warned that it brings with it a heightened risk of gender-based violence against women.

With millions set to tune in around the world, ActionAid Ireland cited research linking major football matches to increased incidents of domestic abuse, arguing that greater awareness and prevention efforts are needed during such events.

“Football should be a source of joy, community and celebration,” the charity’s CEO Karol Balfe said.

“Unfortunately, research shows that major sporting events can coincide with increases in domestic abuse and violence against women. While football does not cause violence, these events can intensify existing patterns of abusive behaviour and are often associated with alcohol.” 

The charity pointed to Alcohol Action Ireland’s 2025 report on alcohol and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, which included an analysis of almost 800 Manchester United and Manchester City matches over an eight-year period.

The report found that domestic abuse incidents rose sharply after games, with alcohol-related abuse repeatedly cited.

A separate study from England suggested that reports of domestic violence increased by 26% when the national team won or drew World Cup matches and by 38% when they lost.

Ms Balfe said the charity works in Ireland and internationally to tackle gender-based violence and support survivors and women’s rights organisations, noting that violence against women remains one of the world’s most widespread human rights violations.

"We need to recognise that gender-based violence does not happen in isolation," said Ms Balfe. "It is rooted in inequality and harmful attitudes towards women.

“Major sporting events provide an opportunity to start conversations about respect and the responsibility we all have to challenge abusive behaviour."

According to Garda figures, more than 1,000 domestic abuse reports were made every week last year.

That figure has continued to rise, with reports up 10% in the first four months of this year.

During the same period, 920 arrests linked to domestic abuse were made, representing a further 10% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.