Domestic abuse cases rise by up to 38% during major football events. So for 1.6 million women living with domestic abuse in the UK, the World Cup is a time of fear not celebration. And 2022 saw the first ever winter tournament. This was significant because the cold weather and dark nights meant more abusers would be at home rather than the pub, posing an even greater risk to women. Women’s Aid, a small domestic abuse charity, needed the entire nation to support these women. So we took England’s beloved football chant, ‘It’s Coming Home’ and changed one word to give it a powerful new meaning… HE’S COMING HOME. With no budget and no media spend, they needed an idea to cut through, something that would resonate and get the entire nation talking & sharing the vital support information to help the women at risk.
Despite no media spend the campaign went viral. Every major news outlet picked it up, generating a combined reach of 222 million. The British Home Office, police authorities and policy makers shared it. Together with the film it drove a 17% increase in traffic to the Women’s Aid Support Page and 44% increase to the Donate page. Social channels saw a 4,000 follower boost since launch and an organic reach of over 250K. It has solidified Women’s Aid as an authority on domestic abuse and football. They are now asked to comment when the issue appears in the news. They are currently in conversations with the PFA and FA, and have been invited to visit clubs to educate on their message – providing opportunities for tangible changes to be made. All because of three words.