Domestic abuse reports in Rotherham up during World Cup, data shows

The number of incidents of domestic abuse to South Yorkshire Police rose by more than 13 per cent during the 2026 World Cup, analysis has found.

Data obtained via a Freedom of Information request (FOI), showed that reported incidents during the tournament rose by 5.6 per cent in Rotherham, compared to the month before.

Hollie Venn, CEO of Women’s Aid Sheffield, said: “Seeing those statistics is quite concerning. Any spike in domestic abuse, considering we know the numbers are already high, is quite the concern.”

South Yorkshire Police received 2424 reports of domestic abuse between England’s first World Cup match against Croatia on June 17, 2026, and the World Cup Final on July 19.

This was a 13 per cent increase on the 2132 reported in the month before that first England fixture.

Ms Venn said: “I think what’s important to talk about is, let’s not conflate domestic abuse with football. We know that domestic abuse has been in existence for a significant period of time.

“We need to be really clear that actually whilst there’s heightened emotions, while there’s an increase in drinking, there’s more games, that actually that might exacerbate abuse but that is not the reason for domestic abuse.

“We need to be clear about all those separate points when we see statistics and recognise that each one of those statistics is a very live human being.”

Incidents of domestic abuse rise significantly across the country during international football tournaments, such as the World Cup and Euros.

These spikes peak on matchdays, but research shows that the number of incidents remain high the following day.

Kilvinder Vigurs, deputy mayor of South Yorkshire for policing and crime, said there “can never be any justification for abusive, controlling or violent behaviour”.

She added: “Unfortunately, there can be an increase in excessive alcohol and substance abuse, which is no excuse, neither is it ever acceptable for individuals to take out their disappointments and frustrations on others.

“We want everyone affected by domestic abuse, adults and children, to know they are not alone, help is available, and there are organisations ready to support them when they need it most.”

In the UK, one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and one woman is killed by a current or former partner every five days.

Rotherham’s increase in reporting was the lowest in the region.

However, Ms Venn said this could prompt questions about the confidence of abuse survivors in the area.

She said: “Where the numbers are smaller, it makes me wonder did people feel that they weren’t able to call the police? Were they too frightened? Did they feel they wouldn’t get an appropriate response?

“It’s a lot of bravery for a survivor to make that call, so what they rightly expect is an immediate, safe response.”

Sheffield saw the highest increase during the World Cup, with 33 per cent more reports during the tournament than in the month before England v Croatia.

That rise dwarfs those of Rotherham, Doncaster (13 per cent) and Barnsley (6.9 per cent).

Detective chief inspector Melissa Johnson, South Yorkshire Police’s domestic abuse lead, said there are a wide range of organisations, including the police that survivors and victims can report to.

She said: “If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, we want you to know that you are never at fault for what’s happening and you are not alone.

“We are always here to offer help and support, but we recognise that some people may feel hesitant, afraid or not entirely comfortable about telling the police what is happening to them.

“When you are ready to speak, we are always ready to listen. You deserve to feel safe and we would never want you to wait until it may potentially get worse.”