The title of this blog may be controversial but the intention is not to discourage England winning the world cup, but rather to encourage victims of domestic abuse to speak up and take steps to prevent it taking place.

Women’s Aid are running a campaign during the World Cup to raise awareness that domestic abuse spikes dramatically in the aftermath of football matches. A 2013 study, conducted by Stuart Kirby, Brian Francis, and Rosalie O’Flaherty, titled “Can the FIFA World Cup Football (Soccer) Tournament Be Associated with an Increase in Domestic Abuse?” looked at how the World Cup showed a match day trend of domestic abuse going up by 26% when the English national team won or drew, and a 38% increase when the national team lost.

However, this only factors in the cases that have been reported and relies heavily on police statistics. It is well known that the vast majority of such incidents are not reported to the police, often not to anyone at all, and so are not included in the research noted above.

Recognise domestic abuse

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines behaviour as “abusive”, if it consists of any of the following: Physical or sexual abuse; violent or threatening behaviour; controlling or coercive behaviour; economic abuse; psychological, emotional or other abuse and it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

A person’s behaviour may be behaviour towards you, despite the fact that it consists of conduct directed at another person (for example, your child).

Seek help

There are many organisations throughout the UK who provide assistance for those who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Women’s aid have created a handbook which details out the support services available for you here.

Additionally, you may wish to consider seeking a non-molestation order and/or an occupation order against your ex-partner.

Apply for a non-molestation order

A non-molestation order prohibits your partner or spouse from using or threatening violence against you or your children, or intimidating, harassing or pestering you. These orders can be tailored to your specific circumstances and can contain very specific provision depending on the type of harassment happening to you. It can also include an exclusion zone, preventing your partner from coming within a certain distance from you.

The non-molestation order will have a power of arrest attached to it, and it is a criminal offence to breach it.

Apply for an occupation order

An occupation order sets out who can live in the family home (or a part of it). The occupation order will not affect each person’s financial interest in the home, simply who can live in it.

Former or current spouses, civil partners or cohabitants, or people with a legal entitlement to occupy the property, such as an owner or tenant, can make an application to court for the order.

In applying for both of the above orders, legal aid may be available depending on your circumstances.

Ridley & Hall’ Family Team can assist you in applying for either or both of the orders and offer legal aid for those who are eligible.

Should you require assistance in relation to the above, do not hesitate to contact us on our live chat or free phone 0800 860 62 65.

Ernestas Motiejunas – Trainee Solicitor