Norfolk councillors have called for a dedicated report examining whether domestic abuse incidents increased during the 2026 World Cup, after the link between major sporting events and domestic violence was raised at a scrutiny meeting on 29 July.

Cllr Jade Martin proposed the request, seconded by Cllr Sue Catchpole, asking the Norfolk Community Safety Partnership to analyse domestic abuse data alongside alcohol and substance misuse figures. The panel wants to identify any patterns that could shape future prevention, education and awareness work.

The request came as the panel reviewed the Partnership's annual report for 2025-26, which highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen learning from Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs). Officers confirmed there are currently 12 reviews in progress, with many taking longer than the six-month statutory timescale due to factors such as active criminal investigations.

Panel members were told that learning and improvements are shared with partner organisations as soon as they are identified, rather than waiting for reviews to be formally completed.

The annual report also noted closer working between domestic abuse review teams and countywide suicide prevention partners — a recognition that the two issues can be interconnected.

The panel formally agreed the request, meaning officers will bring back a report setting out the data and any trends identified. The findings are expected to feed into how the Partnership targets resources and public messaging around future major sporting events.