Domestic abuse charity's World Cup warning as UK police make 200 pre-tournament arrests

Domestic abuse charity's World Cup warning as UK police make 200 pre-tournament arrests EXCLUSIVE: Concerning stats show domestic violence cases even soar by 26 per cent when England win tournament matches as raids over the past few days saw police arrested 200 people A leading domestic abuse charity warn that cases of violence between couples or family members almost double during big World Cup matches as police last night swooped to arrest hundreds of suspects on the eve of the tournament. Women’s Aid say there are some very uncomfortable statistics when it comes to England matches with incidents increasing by more than 38 per cent when the nation loses. Shockingly, they also soar by 26 per cent when the Three Lions - finalists in two of the last three major competitions - win a game. An estimated 3.8 million people aged 16 and over in England and Wales, almost eight per cent of the population, experienced domestic abuse last year, including 2.2 million women and 1.5 million men, worrying new data shows. Now, more than 200 people have been arrested over the past few days as part of a police operation to crack down on ahead of the big kick-off tonight. West Midlands Police carried out a series of raids at the homes of suspected offenders to "send a clear signal to perpetrators" with force saying it sees its highest reports of offences during June and July every year, with sporting occasions often blamed for the surge. Veronica Oakeshott, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, agrees and warns high emotion and increased alcohol consumption pose a danger to thousands of people - with children also in the firing line. She told the Mirror: “Major sporting events, such as the football World Cup which starts this week, are a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and cheer for our teams, yet the tragic reality is that this can also be a time of heightened danger for women and children living with perpetrators of domestic abuse. “Football matches do not cause domestic abuse, but factors associated with big matches such as increased alcohol consumption and emotions running high can make existing domestic abuse increase in frequency and severity. "Research by Lancaster University shows that domestic abuse can rise by up to 38 per cent after a big game, leaving a greater number of women and children vulnerable. "Domestic abuse is still thought of as a ‘hidden’ crime, as it mostly occurs within the home – the World Cup is not only an opportunity to raise awareness of this crime, but also a chance to remind women that services are there to help them, should they need them. As we come together to cheer on our teams, let’s also unite in ensuring that no woman and child has to live with abuse.” Meanwhile, Solace - another charity aiming to tackle the issue - launched a #StopItComingHome campaign, a play on the iconic England anthem Football's Coming Home. West Midlands Police say their raids and arrests this week send a clear signal. Det Insp Charlie Sparks said: "Daily, we go out and arrest the domestic abuse offenders. We have the 999 calls where we go out and try and get there as quickly as we can, to put that safeguarding in place. "Then on my department, the investigation team works tirelessly to try and get those charges through as quickly as we can for the offenders, and put that good safeguarding in place." During Euro 2024, police reported 351 domestic abuse incidents as football related. Violence against women and children doesn’t only mean physical abuse, it is also psychological or emotional abuse, coercive control, financial and economic abuse, as well as sexual abuse. If you think you might be experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247.