People and communities
Domestic abuse offences rose in Walsall during World Cup period, new figures show
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When the final whistle blows, domestic abuse does not stop.
Domestic abuse offences in Walsall rose by almost 10 per cent during the 2026 World Cup period, according to new analysis by the Safer Walsall Partnership (SWP).
The partnership, which includes Walsall Council and West Midlands Police, found recorded domestic abuse crime increased during the tournament (11 June – 20 July 2026), when compared with the same period in 2025.
However, the figures also show that domestic abuse remains a year-round issue and is not limited to major sporting events. Offences across the rest of the year were up by almost eight per cent. Increased reporting of incidents can be a sign that victims have more confidence to come forward and seek support, which is something the partnership seeks to encourage.
“ Domestic abuse remains one of the most harmful crimes affecting our communities and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect victims and hold perpetrators to account.
"While major events, such as the World Cup, shine a spotlight on domestic abuse, and encourage victims to come forward, our data shows this is not an issue confined to a few weeks of the year. Officers and partners work every day to identify those at risk, provide safeguarding and ensure victims can access the support they need, when its needed.
"We would encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or anyone worried about a relative, friend or neighbour, to seek help. Reporting concerns can be the first step towards keeping someone safe. “
“ Major sporting events provide a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of domestic abuse and signpost people to support available.
“While heightened, tense emotions, mixed with increased alcohol consumption can act as catalysts for domestic abuse offences, our data shows this is an issue that affects individuals and families year-round. Prevention, intervention and support remain a priority for partners across Walsall. “
“ Awareness campaigns linked to global tournaments can help people recognise the signs of abuse and encourage those affected to seek support.
"However, domestic abuse does not stop when the final whistle is blown. We must continue working together all year round to prevent abuse, support victims and hold offenders to account. “
The local findings reflect national trends. During the World Cup, police forces across the UK recorded 384 domestic abuse incidents where football was identified as an aggravating factor, while national charity, Respect, reported a 37 per cent increase in calls to its phoneline compared with the same period last year.
The SWP is keen to stress that a range of factors can influence domestic abuse trends. This year’s World Cup coincided with prolonged spells of warm weather, which may have contributed to increased socialising and alcohol consumption across the region.
The partnership continues to work with local and national organisations to raise awareness of domestic abuse, support victims and survivors, and challenge abusive behaviour wherever and whenever it occurs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available:
- In an emergency, always call 999.
- For non-emergency reporting, contact West Midlands Police on 101 or online at www.westmidlands.police.uk.
- Local domestic abuse support services can provide confidential advice, information and practical support. For more information, visit Walsall Council's website.
- Black Country Women's Aid
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About the Safer Walsall Partnership (SWP):
The SWP brings together partners including Walsall Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, NHS organisations, the Probation service and whg to reduce crime and improve community safety across the borough.
About the data:
- Analysis relates to domestic abuse offences recorded by West Midlands Police.
- The World Cup period analysed was 11 June to 20 July 2026.
- Recorded domestic abuse offences in Walsall increased by 9.5% during the World Cup period compared with the same period in 2025.
- For the remainder of the year, excluding the World Cup period, recorded domestic abuse offences increased by 7.5% compared with the previous year.
- Nationally, 384 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded by 43 police forces where football was identified as an aggravating factor during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Respect reported a 37% increase in calls to its phoneline during the World Cup compared with the same period in the previous year.
- This data does not represent the total of domestic abuse reports received during this time, only those that were recorded as football being an aggravating factor.
- The data will not represent the true picture of domestic abuse offending where football was an aggravating factor for several reasons: some victims may not recognise or disclose the link with football and officers may not always record the link.
