Refuge

For the sake of women's safety... we must show domestic abuse the red card.

Refuge is deeply concerned by a highly inappropriate social media post from Sarah Pochin MP suggesting that England should win more Men’s World Cup matches to reduce domestic abuse.

The England football team is not responsible for domestic abuse: abusers are. Sadly, we know that major sport tournaments can come with a rise in pre-existing behaviours. However, abuse happens all year round, often hidden and unreported.

Abusers may use football or alcohol intake as an excuse, but there is never any justification for domestic abuse. It is the abuser's actions alone that are to blame – not external events or circumstances. It is a choice, and it must be challenged.

As the World Cup continues, it is more vital than ever that we shift the narrative and give domestic abuse the red card. To show your support for survivors, take action with Refuge now: https://brnw.ch/21x3u7T

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Refuge's 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit https://brnw.ch/21x3u7S for support and information.

Abuse doesn’t always show up in the way you expect, it can play in different positions, and it often doesn’t stop at one tactic.

From controlling your behaviour, monitoring your activity online to controlling your bank accounts, it's not always easy to spot.

Stand with survivors in giving domestic abuse the red card. Take 60 seconds to add your name: https://campaign.refuge.org.uk/page/192657/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=WC26_OWN_FACE_HANDV1

Misogyny and abuse aren’t part of the game.

Behind the jokes, the reality is far too many women live in fear every single day.

This World Cup, let's stand on the side of survivors and give domestic abuse the red card 🟥

Add your name ✍️: https://brnw.ch/21x3iNq

Refuge welcomes the increased powers in the Social Housing Bill, giving landlords more power to remove abusers from tenancy agreements, and allowing more survivors to stay in their own homes.

This is an important step forward – but it is still limited by the narrow range of offences included, and the fact that it comes down to a landlord’s choice rather than a mandatory obligation.
To protect survivors, we need to see the Government provide more guidance for landlords, and details of where abusers will be sent after eviction.

Removing the perpetrator is only the first step, not a silver bullet. Survivors will continue to need specialist support, including safety planning and practical assistance, to rebuild their lives free from abuse.

Agree? Sign our open letter urging the Prime Minister to close the refuge funding gap in safe accommodation services: https://brnw.ch/21x324Z

🌈 This Pride month, Refuge stands with LGBTIQ+ survivors of domestic abuse.

We know abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual identity. But LGBTIQ+ people often face unique forms of harm, stigma, and silence.

We see you, and we believe you.

Our Helpline is open to all, at any time day or night, on 0808 2000 247.

For LGBTIQ+ specialist support, contact our friends at

This June, make every mile matter.
Join us on Monday and take on our challenge to walk, run, swim or roll 100 Miles in 30 days with Team Refuge.

Sign up today to get your free t-shirt and help be the reason survivors find freedom and support https://brnw.ch/21x2UkI 🩷

A huge thank you to all of our incredible runners from London Marathon, London Landmarks, Brighton Marathon and Paris Marathon! Together, you raised an incredible £156,417 supporting survivors of domestic abuse.