Devon & Cornwall Police Back Blow the Whistle Campaign for World Cup

Every major football tournament brings flags, pints and pundits. It also brings something far darker that officers across Cornwall and Devon are determined to talk about this summer.

A familiar pattern police want to break

Devon & Cornwall Police will be raising awareness around the link between sporting events and an increase in domestic abuse during this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Officers say emotions can run high during the tournament, particularly on days when England and Scotland are playing. Heightened emotions, frustration and competitiveness can lead tempers to flare and result in violence and abuse.

While the force is keen for fans to enjoy the football, they are urging people to watch out for each other and report any abusive behaviour they witness or experience themselves.

Blow the Whistle

Alongside their own messaging during the tournament, Devon & Cornwall Police is partnering with First Light and other support agencies across the region to #BlowTheWhistle on abuse.

The campaign message is straightforward. Abuse will not be ignored, no one is left to face it alone and support is always available. When something isn’t right in relationships, at home, at work or in the community, people are encouraged to: STOP, NOTICE, ACT, DON’T LOOK AWAY.

“No one should feel they have to face it alone”

Det Supt Nicky Seager, Vulnerability Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “The World Cup is a time when communities come together to enjoy football and support their teams, but we also recognise that heightened emotions during major tournaments can sometimes lead to an increase in violent outbursts and domestic abuse. At Devon & Cornwall Police, we want everyone to enjoy the tournament safely and responsibly.

“We are encouraging people to look out for one another and to speak up if they witness or experience abusive behaviour. Abuse is never acceptable, and no one should feel they have to face it alone. That’s why we are proud to be working with First Light and other partner agencies across Devon and Cornwall to Blow the Whistle on abuse.

“Our message is simple: if something doesn’t feel right, stop, notice, act and don’t look away. Support is always available, and by working together we can help keep our communities safe.”

Lyn Gooding of First Light added: “Blow the Whistle is about making it clear that abuse is never acceptable, and that we all have a role to play in challenging it. You don’t need to be an expert to take action, you just need to notice when something isn’t right and feel confident to speak up or offer support.

“We cannot do this alone. Real change happens when individuals, communities and organisations stand together. By ‘blowing the whistle’, we send a powerful message that abuse will not be ignored, and that help is always available.”

A direct message to perpetrators

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, had a blunt warning for anyone tempted to take their frustrations out on those at home.

“It is extremely concerning to hear incidents of domestic abuse increase during the World Cup. I say to all would-be perpetrators, I am not interested in whether your team wins or loses, what matters is that your family does not lose.

“It is important that the police are proactive in arresting and detaining any violent offenders, and I would urge victims to report any incidents to the police, or someone they can confide in.

“My office provides victims with free help and support which is accessible through the OPCC Victim Care website.”

Alison said combating domestic abuse remains one of her key priorities, with a focus on education, prevention, rehabilitation and investing resources into disrupting violence against women and girls.

Where to get help

For information about help and support, or to report, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police advice pages on domestic abuse. In an emergency, if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.