SAFETY IN THE SQUARE MILE
DURING THE FOOTBALL WORLD CUP
While the World Cup is a time of enjoyment for many, it is not always a safe experience for everyone. Accommodation, and food and beverage businesses in particular play a vital role in creating safe environments and supporting those who may be at risk.
Jointly the City of London Police and the City of London Corporation, are encouraging all venues to:
Promote safe, respectful and inclusive environments for both guests and staff;
Recognise the signs of domestic abuse and harassment; and
Ensure support information is visible, accessible, and easy to signpost.
Various prevention and training approaches are available to assist in this including:
Anti-harassment training – reinforcing a clear zero-tolerance approach within hospitality settings; and
WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) training – equipping staff to identify and respond to vulnerability.
The impacts on personal safety of events like the World Cup, goes beyond the immediate physical environment. There is well documented research that major events can bring increased risk for those already experiencing domestic abuse. Tournaments like the world cup themselves do not cause abuse, but they can intensify existing harm. Raising awareness of this and ensuring support for vulnerable workers is therefore essential.
Support for individuals is available from various sources:
Domestic Abuse Support - City of London;
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7) 0808 2000 247;
National Domestic Abuse Helpline website; or
In an emergency, call 999.
As outlined in the UK Government’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy in December 2025, employers must also take a proactive role in the prevention of domestic abuse, and the establishment of clear reporting pathways and support. In partnership with the Employer's Initiative on Domestic Abuse, Fleet Street Quarter launched a free Handbook for SMEs: Navigating a Workplace Domestic Abuse Response.
This handbook was created in partnership with industry leading experts at EIDA, and provides clear, accessible guidance on how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, understand employer responsibilities, respond appropriately where employees may be experiencing or perpetrating abuse, and signpost to specialist support.
EIDA website: http://www.eida.org.uk/