Research links Intimate Partner Violence to major televised sports events - FIFA games are in that spotlight

By Gazette Staff

March 30th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Research has linked certain high-profile, televised sporting events to a significant increase in police-reported intimate partner violence.

Toronto Police are recording  17,000 to 19,000 intimate partner violence occurrences in an average year.

A volunteer organization is putting resources in place that gives those who believe they have been abused by an intimate partner a place to turn to for help and support

Carly Kalish, Chief Executive Officer of Victim Services Toronto points out that: “This summer’s influx of visitors and the expected vulnerabilities that come with it create an urgent need for Ask for Angela‘s increased presence across Toronto, while also presenting a long-term, infrastructure-building opportunity to make pathways to help more consistently available, convenient, and approachable.”

Ask for Angela‘s Local Presence

To expand local pathways to safety and professional support, VST first introduced Ask for Angela in the GTA in fall 2023. The trauma-informed safety initiative – which originated in the UK in 2016 and celebrates its 10-year global anniversary this year – allows people experiencing gender-based violence or exploitation to discreetly signal for immediate support at partnering locations using the code phrase: “Is Angela here?”

Through its Loblaw Companies Limited partnership, the community-based program has already effectively embedded an accessible support option into 225 local, everyday retail spaces that victims of gender-based violence and exploitation may visit alone, including grocery stores and pharmacies.

Currently, thousands of frontline staff at participating locations across the GTA are trained to recognize the Ask for Angela code phrase and follow its clear protocol to connect individuals with professional support services, with QR codes available for additional discretion and choice.

Staff have also received refresher training and quality assurance has been renewed in the lead up to this summer’s events.

Victim Services Toronto provides immediate, trauma-informed support and advocacy for anyone in Toronto affected by crime or sudden tragedy.

Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, in over 35 languages. You do not need to make a police report to receive help.

Loblaws could provide support across the province.

Kudo’s to them for funding this Toronto phase.