Domestic abuse incidents reported to police hit record high during World Cup
Police recorded a record high number of domestic abuse incidents during the summer World Cup, highlighting increased risks during major sporting events.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Domestic abuse incidents reported to police in England and Wales reached a record high during this summer's Football World Cup, according to the UK Football Policing Unit. A total of 384 offences were recorded, the highest number since records began and 33 more than during the last European Championship two years ago. Police have suggested that longer licensing hours at pubs may be one factor behind the rise.
One case that has drawn attention is that of Caroline Goddard, known as Kaz, who was subjected to a brutal attack by her partner James Stock at her home near Weston-super-Mare. Stock was jailed for 20 years for attempted murder after a 45-minute assault during which Kaz managed to call 999 and hide her phone under plants, allowing the call handler to hear the attack and guide police to the scene. Officers praised her bravery in sharing her story.
A domestic abuse charity in Trowbridge, Fear Free, reported a near 60% increase in calls from the south west during the World Cup. The charity works across communities to break the cycle of domestic abuse and offers a free course to help people change their behaviour. It is urging anyone who harms their loved ones to seek help.
The case of Kaz Goddard highlights the increased risks during major sporting events, with charities and police warning that such tournaments can trigger a rise in domestic violence. The UK Football Policing Unit's figures cover the summer World Cup, which took place in Qatar but was played in November and December 2022, though the transcripts refer to it as a summer event, likely reflecting the timing of the tournament in the northern hemisphere winter but broadcast in summer for some regions.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One | ITV |
|---|---|---|
| James Stock was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the attempted murder of Caroline Goddard. | ||
| The attack lasted 45 minutes and Goddard called 999 during it. | ||
| A record 384 domestic abuse offences were reported during the World Cup, up 33 from the last European Championship, with police citing longer pub licensing hours as a possible cause. | · | |
| Fear Free provides a free course to help change people's behaviours. | · | |
| Fear Free reported a near 60% increase in calls from the South West during the World Cup. | · | |
| Fear Free urges anyone who harms their loved ones to seek help. | · | |
| Police praised Goddard's bravery in sharing her story. | · | |
| The 999 call handler was new to the job and quickly realised the danger. | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
This channel focused on two local angles: the specific case of James Stock's brutal attack on Caroline Goddard, including the 20-year sentence and the 999 call, and the impact on a local domestic abuse charity, Fear Free, which saw a 60% increase in calls during the World Cup. The tone was factual and community-oriented, highlighting police praise for the victim's bravery and the charity's call for help.
- “Police say she managed to call 999 during the brutal attack which lasted for 45 minutes.”
- “A domestic abuse charity in Trowbridge received a near 60% increase in calls from the south west during the World Cup.”
- “They're urging anyone who harms their loved ones to seek help.”
This channel produced a detailed, emotional report on the same case, focusing on the victim's perspective and the role of the 999 call handler. The tone was more narrative and human-interest, with extensive use of victim testimony and call handler audio. It highlighted the victim's bravery and the call handler's quick thinking, and included the judge's condemnation of the attack.
- “I'm going to kill you. I've done it again, I'm going to kill you.”
- “It was upsetting, it was distressing, and at that point, I generally thought that she potentially could have been dead.”
- “I did this for every woman who goes through it, and it's been brutal for me, but for him to get what he's got, we've done it and it's been worth it.”
This channel provided the national context with the UK Football Policing Unit's statistics, reporting the record high of 384 domestic abuse incidents during the World Cup and linking the rise to longer pub licensing hours. It also briefly mentioned the Ann Widdecombe murder case, but the domestic abuse story was presented as a standalone news item with a factual, data-driven tone.
- “More domestic abuse incidents were reported to police during this summer's Football World Cup than any other tournament.”
- “there were 384 offences, the highest number since records began, and 33 more than the last euros two years ago.”
- “Police say longer licensing hours at pubs could be one of the reasons behind the rise.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.