'Domestic abuse is never acceptable': Leeds United teams up with Leeds Women's Aid for the World Cup 2026
Leeds United is showing its support for Leeds Women’s Aid throughout the World Cup
Leeds United have teamed up with local charity Leeds Women’s Aid to raise awareness of domestic abuse during the World Cup.
It comes as a student by Lancaster University has shown that domestic abuse incidents can rise by 38 per cent when England loses and 26 per cent even when England wins.
Leeds Women’s Aid is currently collaborating with a Surrey-based charity called 'I Choose Freedom' to help shine a light on the issue of domestic abuse, through a campaign called 'The Unspoken Stat'.
The campaign is called the xV, and that stands for expected violence against women after a game.
The charity is hoping to increase conversations around the important stat alongside more familiar statistics such as xG (Expected Goals) and xA (Expected Assists).
Jade Brown, equality, diversity and inclusion lead for Leeds United, said: "This campaign is incredibly important to us.
“Domestic abuse is never acceptable, and by speaking openly, raising awareness, and standing together, we can help create safer communities for everyone."
Spice Girl and Leeds United supporter Mel B, added: "Football is a beautiful game, but as survivors, we know that there can be an ugly side to it.
“Yes, it doesn't cause domestic abuse, but police and public statistics show that incidents of domestic abuse go up significantly after big matches like those during the World Cup.
"As a Leeds United supporter, I am very happy to see my team sharing this campaign and raising awareness of their local domestic abuse services."
Leeds Women’s Aid is a local independent charity providing life-changing support for women and families in Leeds experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Services include a 24 hour helpline, emergency refuge accommodation, and variety of community services.
It comes as four branches of Virgin Money in Leeds are set to offer safe spaces to support those impacted by domestic abuse.
Nationwide Building Society said the rollout of safe spaces across the Virgin Money branches will bring the total number across Nationwide’s branch network to 475.
Safe spaces are private, confidential areas in branches where anyone experiencing domestic abuse can access support, make calls to specialist charities, and find safety away from their abuser.
Throughout the World Cup, Nationwide is backing domestic abuse charity Hestia’s Support Is A Team Sport campaign, which encourages people to recognise the signs of abuse, and download Bright Sky, an app offering advice and access to local and national support services.