Blow the Whistle is a national campaign inviting everyone to take a clear stand against domestic abuse and sexual violence through sport. The campaign launched alongside the FIFA World Cup on Thursday 11th June 2026, and uses the simple and powerful idea of blowing the whilst to say that abuse has no place in sport, in our homes, or in our communities.
Sport brings people together, shapes behaviour, and sets standards. Blow the Whistle asks fans, organisations, and businesses to use this shared moment to call out abuse, promote respect, and help people know where to get support.
Why Blow the Whistle?
Domestic abuse and sexual violence remain widespread, yet they are often hidden, minimised, or misunderstood. Harmful behaviours including emotional abuse, coercive control and intimidation, are frequently normalised, and many people who notice warning signs do not feel confident to intervene or speak out.
Major sporting tournaments like the World up are moments of heightened emotion, visibility, and connection. They can be positive and unifying, but they can also increase risk within some relationships. Blow the Whistle responses to this reality in a preventative an supportive way, focusing on awareness, responsibility, an access to help rather than blame.
Crucially, the campaign does not position sport as the problem. Instead, it recognises sport as a powerful force for cultural change, grounded in values of fairness, respect, and accountability.
Blowing the whistle means noticing when something isn’t right; calling out abusive behaviour safely; checking in and showing care; and making support visible and accessible.
In sport, the whistle stops play, calls out a foul and protects participants. It symbolises fairness, authority and accountability. Blow the Whistle extends this action beyond the pitch. When something isn’t right, in relationships, homes or communities, we stop, we speak up, and we support those affected. The whistle acts as both a visual symbol and a collective action. It is easy to understand, works across all sports, and allows individuals, clubs and organisations to show support without needing specialist knowledge or complex messaging.
The campaign aims to:
- Increase understanding of domestic abuse and sexual violence, including non-physical forms of harm
- Encourage people to recognise warning signs and feel able to call out abuse safely
- Reinforce that silence allows abuse to continue, while support and action can protect people
- Promote awareness of specialist support services and how to access them
- Embed messages of respect, fairness and safety within sporting culture
Organisations and individuals can take part in ways that suit them. This might include:
- Sharing campaign messages and visuals online
- Taking part in the national “Blow the Whistle” moment during the World Cup
- Displaying posters or digital signage in venues or workplaces
- Encouraging staff, volunteers or members to engage with the campaign
- Embedding the campaign within existing safeguarding or wellbeing activity
Every action, big or small, helps reinforce a shared stand against abuse.
Find out how to get involved, access resources and learn more at: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/blowthewhistle
Devon County Council has also created a dedicated page of resources to help everyone enjoy the World Cup safely. This includes information on alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling, domestic abuse, and road safety. You can find out more here: Enjoy the World Cup – Devon County Council.