Tips to Safer Matchdays: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

Written By Agniete Dada

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) affects every part of everyday safety - from homes and online spaces to streets, venues, public transport and matchday environments.

During major football tournaments, risks can increase in different ways, including:

  • sexist chants or comments

  • harassment in pubs, fan zones or public spaces

  • intimidation on public transport

  • online misogyny and abuse

  • domestic abuse escalating around matchdays

  • people feeling unsafe getting home after a match

Here are our top tips to safer matchdays and tackling VAWG:

1. Keep chants and comments respectful

Football rivalry can be passionate without becoming abusive. Before joining in with a chant, joke or comment, ask yourself:

  • Would this make someone feel targeted?

  • Would I say this outside football?

  • Would I be comfortable if this was replayed back?

Sexism, harassment and misogyny are not “banter” - they make football less safe and less welcoming

2. Challenge harmful behaviour safely

You do not need to start a confrontation to make a difference. Just a simple response can interrupt harmful behaviour:

  • “That’s not okay”

  • “Leave it out”

  • “Keep it about the football”

  • “There’s no need for that”

Being an active bystander means doing something safe and proportionate - not putting yourself at risk.

If it does not feel safe to speak up directly, tell venue staff, security, a steward, a manager or the police.

3. Take online abuse seriously

During major tournaments, online spaces can become hostile, especially for women fans, players, journalists, commentators and public figures.

You can help by:

  • not sharing/commenting/liking abusive posts

  • reporting sexist or threatening comments

  • supporting people being targeted

  • challenging harmful language where safe

  • not dismissing online abuse as “just social media”

Online abuse is still abuse.

4. Look out for people around you

Whether you are watching at home, in a pub, at work, in a fan zone or at a venue, pay attention to people who may feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Someone may need help if they:

  • look distressed or withdrawn

  • are being followed or pressured

  • seem afraid of the person they are with

  • are being stopped from leaving

  • appear isolated from friends

  • ask for help directly or indirectly

A calm check-in can help:

  • “Are you okay?”

  • “Do you need help?”

  • “Would you like me to get someone?”

  • “Do you want to stand with or near us?”

If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services (999)

5. Plan the journey home

Busy transport, crowds, alcohol, late-night travel and unfamiliar places can all make people feel more vulnerable after matches.

Before heading out, agree:

  • how you are getting home

  • where you will meet if separated

  • who you will check in with

  • what to do if someone’s phone dies

  • which transport options are available later

  • where to go if someone feels unsafe

Small plans can make a big difference.

6. Report concerns early

If you see or experience harassment, abuse, intimidation or unsafe behaviour, report it where it is safe to do so.

This could mean speaking to:

  • venue staff

  • security

  • stewards

  • police

  • transport staff

  • a safeguarding lead

  • a trusted organisation

  • anonymous reporting routes

Through imabi’s partnership with Crimestoppers, we help connect people with trusted information and reporting routes. Crimestoppers gives people a way to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously, which can be especially important if someone fears repercussions or does not feel safe speaking openly.

7. Tips for venues and organisations

Venues, employers, transport providers, local authorities and community partners can help by:

  • briefing staff before high-risk fixtures

  • making reporting routes visible

  • sharing safety messages before and after matches

  • training staff to respond to harassment or abuse concerns

  • signposting domestic abuse and VAWG support

  • making it easy for people to ask for help

  • working with local services, police and safety partners

Safer matchdays are easier to achieve when people know what to do before something escalates.

8. If you are worried about someone

If you are worried about a friend, colleague, neighbour or family member, trust your instincts. You can:

  • check in gently

  • ask if they feel safe

  • listen without judgement

  • avoid pressuring them to act before they are ready

  • share trusted support options

  • call emergency services if they are in immediate danger

Avoid confronting a suspected abuser directly if this could increase the risk to the person experiencing abuse.

9. If you feel unsafe

If you feel unsafe during a matchday, at home, in public or online:

  • move towards a safer or busier place if you can

  • contact someone you trust

  • speak to staff, security or police

  • use trusted support or reporting routes

  • call emergency services if there is immediate danger

  • make a plan to get somewhere safe

You deserve to be taken seriously. You do not need to wait for things to get worse before asking for help.

Agniete Dada
Next

VAWG in Football Culture: Abuse Is Not Part of the Game