Staying safe during the World Cup - edit

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Celebrating safely

Major sporting events like the World Cup can be an exciting time to come together with friends, family and communities.

However, for some people they bring increased pressures and challenges. This may be due to heightened emotions or increased advertising by gambling companies or alcohol brands. There may also be peer pressure to join in with activities you would usually not take part in.

This may lead to a rise in domestic abuse, harmful gambling, substance misuse, and other wellbeing concerns.

If you or someone you know needs support, don’t wait—help is available.

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In an emergency

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.

If you cannot speak, use the Silent Solution by calling 999 and pressing 55 when prompted.

You can also contact:

  • NHS 111 for urgent health concerns
  • Samaritans (24/7 support): 116 123
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Domestic abuse support

We know that incidents of domestic abuse can increase during major football tournaments.

Domestic abuse can include:

  • Physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse
  • Controlling or coercive behaviour
  • Financial abuse

You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Support is available whether you are:

  • Experiencing abuse
  • Worried about someone else
  • Looking to change your own behaviour

Support available:

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Gambling support

The World Cup can lead to increased betting and gambling activity, with targeted advertising on TV and social media.

For some people, this can become difficult to manage and affect their daily life.

Signs you may need support:

  • Spending more than you planned or can afford
  • Chasing losses
  • Feeling stressed or anxious about gambling

Signs your family and friends may need support:

  • Sudden changes of mood whilst watching matches
  • Betting on many games daily
  • Checking phone constantly for scores, hiding betting apps

Support available:

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Reporting a crime or concern (non-emergency)

Sexual violence

Survivors’ Network offer emotional and practical support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse in Sussex. 

Get in touch:

Reporting rape or sexual assault can be difficult, and there are many reasons why people choose not to report. It is always your choice.

If you're unsure, this page may help you decide - Help if you're not sure whether to report rape or sexual assault | Sussex Police.

If you are ready to report - How to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences | Sussex Police.

Hate crime

A hate crime is any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice based on:

  • Disability
  • Race or ethnicity
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Transgender identity

Reporting a hate crime can help protect others and supports the police to better understand and respond to incidents in your area - Report hate crime | Sussex Police

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Staying safe on nights out

If you’re watching matches in pubs, bars or public spaces:

  • plan how you’ll get home safely, whether alone or with others
  • look out for your friends
  • never leave drinks unattended
  • speak to staff if you feel unsafe

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

Spiking

Spiking is when someone gives you alcohol or drugs without your consent, in a drink or injection.

Symptoms vary, but if you feel unwell or unsafe, seek help immediately. In an emergency call 999. You can report spiking to Sussex Police, even if you don’t want forensic testing or an investigation.

Drink-driving

Alcohol-related road incidents often increase during major sporting events.

How to avoid drink-driving:

  • Plan your journey home in advance
  • Use public transport where possible
  • Save local taxi numbers in your phone

Be aware that transport options may be limited depending on match times.

Personal safety

If you’re walking home alone:

  • Share your location with a trusted contact (eg Find My or Find My Device).
  • Arrange to message or call someone when you get home.
  • Strut Safe is a UK phone line offering a friendly voice if you feel unsafe walking alone, see Strut Safe.
  • Hollie Guard is a personal safety app that can alert your emergency contacts with your location, audio and video, see: Hollie Guard.
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