Hampshire County Council is using Alcohol Awareness Week to highlight a difficult but important issue: the role alcohol can play in escalating harm within already abusive relationships. The message forms part of a wider campaign led by the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership during the men’s World Cup. Under the question “When is kick-off at your place?”, the campaign encourages people to recognise the warning signs of domestic abuse and know where support is available.

The campaign points to evidence that reports of domestic abuse rise during major men’s football tournaments, by around 25% following matches and by up to 38% when England lose. Changes in routine, heightened emotions, increased alcohol consumption, gambling and financial pressures can all contribute to a more dangerous environment for people already living with abuse. The campaign is clear, however, that football and alcohol do not cause domestic abuse, and neither can ever excuse abusive behaviour.

This year’s Alcohol Awareness Week theme, “Alcohol and me”, provides an opportunity to consider not only how alcohol affects the person drinking, but also how it can affect relationships and the people around them. Alcohol may increase aggression, reduce inhibitions and intensify tensions, making an abusive situation more dangerous. This distinction matters: responsibility always remains with the person choosing to behave abusively, while alcohol can increase the severity and likelihood of harm.

The campaign includes downloadable posters, social media graphics and animations that can be shared in workplaces, health services, community venues, pubs and other public settings. It also encourages friends, relatives and neighbours to check in safely if they are concerned about someone. Anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hampshire, including children, young people and concerned family members, can contact the free and confidential Hampshire Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 03300 165 112. In an immediate emergency, the advice is always to call 999.

Find more from Hampshire County Council (UK, July 2026)