England are using 2018 FIFA World Cup to address the domestic violence issues. In fact, the domestic violence sees a spike whenever England plays in World Cup. Newsy, a US-based news organisation, has cited a 2013 study from Lancaster University which states that domestic violence spiked in the northwest portion of England during the World Cup games in 2002, 2006 and 2010. During the study, it was found that there was a 38 percent increase in domestic abuse incidents when England's national team lost and a 26 percent increase when the team won.

Meanwhile, England’s National Centre For Domestic Violence has produced TV commercials to raise the awareness. Interestingly, it is reported that during the last World Cup, the UK Cleveland Police received 897 domestic violence reports. The police have now used social media sites to promote campaign related to anti-domestic abuse.

In 2013 research from Lancaster University, unexpected loss of England football team was named as one of the factors that lead to domestic violence.

"As part of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movement, we’ve seen a challenge to the prevailing sexist attitudes and behaviours in parts of our culture and society. Sexism and misogyny underpin violence against women and girls. These damaging attitudes are rife in our society; football is no exception,” Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, was quoted as saying by Local Government Association (LGA) on its website.

“Categorically, football does not cause domestic abuse, the behaviour, and actions of abusers who exert power and control over their victims cause domestic abuse. However, domestic abuse does not happen in a cultural vacuum. The sexist attitudes, chants, and behaviour at football matches encourage an environment in which women are belittled and demeaned,” she added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2018 07:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).