15 July 2026

Nick Gova featured in the press on domestic violence increasing around the World Cup

The head of our family team Nick Gova has been featured in the Law Society Gazette discussing domestic abuse increasing around the World Cup.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has urged the public to look out for loved ones who could be more vulnerable to abusers during the World Cup. Research from 2014 by the University of Lancaster suggested that on match days the risk of domestic abuse rose by 26% when the English national team won or drew, and rose by 38% when the national team lost.

The research was based on analysis of reports to a police force in north-west England across tournaments in 2002, 2006, and 2010.

Nick has written for the Law Society Gazette on the topic. Nick says: “The link between major sporting events and a spike in domestic violence is well recognised, and the CPS is right to urge the public to look out for their loved ones who could be more vulnerable to abusers during the World Cup.

“Victims and those around them should feel empowered to report matters to the police and seek urgent protection through injunctions such as non-molestation orders where risk arises. The courts are well-versed in dealing with these applications swiftly where necessary.”

Read Nick’s comments:
Law Society Gazette (page 14)