Partnership with Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline, Herts Constabulary, Watford FC and Stevenage FC shines a light on the hidden impact of football tournaments on domestic abuse survivors.

While millions prepare to cheer, shout and celebrate this summer, others will be living in fear. On Thursday 11th June at The Harlequin Centre in Watford, HAB Law and its partners launched “WE WON” – a powerful awareness campaign confronting the devastating rise in domestic abuse that accompanies every major football tournament.

The campaign is built around the double meaning of the phrase “We Won” – two words that carry joy and celebration for football fans, but fear and dread for those experiencing domestic abuse at home. Research consistently shows that incidents of domestic abuse spike significantly during major football tournaments, yet too many victims and survivors do not know where to turn for help.

At the heart of the campaign is a striking physical installation in Watford town centre – a door marked with the number 30, representing the frequency with which emergency calls relating to domestic abuse are made every single day. The installation is designed to stop people in their tracks and make the issue impossible to ignore.

Alongside the installation, the campaign Partners have produced a short film and will run a social media campaign throughout the tournament, using the power and reach of football to carry one vital message; help is available, and no one should suffer in silence.

MD Imtiaz Choudry at HAB Law said:“Football brings so much joy to so many people, but for a significant number of victims and survivors, a match result can mean something very different. We wanted to create a campaign that used the language of football to make people stop, think, and act. Nobody should feel trapped or afraid in their own home, and we are proud to stand alongside our partners to make sure people know where to find support.

Helpline Manager Haylet Stark at Herts Domestic Abuse Line said:“At the Helpline, we typically see an increase in calls and requests for support in the weeks following major football tournaments. For many victims and survivors, the impact of abuse does not end when the final whistle blows, and it can take time before they feel able to reach out for help.

This campaign is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the link between football, alcohol, domestic abuse and VAWG, while also making sure that those affected know where they can turn for support. The collaborative nature of the campaign reflects exactly what is needed to support victims and survivors in our communities, organisations, services and individuals working together to recognise the signs of abuse, start conversations, and ensure that nobody has to face it alone.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Dodsworth from Herts Constabulary said: “We hope that everyone will enjoy the World Cup safely and peacefully and, as with any major sporting event, we have a policing plan in place to respond if required. Sadly, we know that domestic abuse and violence against women and girls often increases during major football tournaments and that is why we are proud partners in the ‘We Won’ campaign. We hope this campaign will raise awareness and encourage victims and survivors to reach out for help either directly to us or via other agencies such as the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline. I want all victims and survivors to know that if they contact police, they will be treated with respect and sensitivity. We have specialist officers who investigate domestic abuse offences and tackling VAWG is embedded into our daily response, as we work with our partners to ensure the most appropriate support is provided.”

Stevenage and Watford FC said:  We’re incredibly proud to be part of this campaign to raise awareness around the rise in domestic violence during international tournaments. We know that the World Cup brings people together, but for some, this can be a very trying time. As a club and charity with strong community links across the county of Hertfordshire, it’s incredibly important that we use our voice for the power of good and to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. We hope that this campaign can raise awareness, open eyes, and get more people involved in reducing the shocking 30% rise in domestic violence.

As part of the campaign, we have released a short film exploring the double meaning behind the phrase “We Won”, which is now live on our social media channels.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZcJW52DiXf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN PARTNERS

HAB Law is a purpose-led law firm committed to increasing access to justice and making a positive difference in the communities it serves. The firm is proud to use its platform to support those affected by domestic abuse.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline provides confidential support, advice, and information to anyone affected by domestic abuse across Hertfordshire.

Herts Constabulary works to protect victims of domestic abuse across Hertfordshire and is committed to ensuring that every report is taken seriously.

Watford FC and Stevenage FC are lending the voice and reach of their clubs to help spread this vital message to fans and communities across the region.

MEDIA CONTACT

Emma Ellis

Head of Marketing, HAB Law

Email: emmaelliis@hablaw.co.uk

Tel: 020 8080 3347

Website: www.hablaw.co.uk

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS SUPPORT

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8088

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Tel: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours)